The Telangana High Court recently heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case concerning the earnings from the benefit shows of the movie Pushpa 2. The petition was filed by G L Narasimha Rao, president of the Cine Prekshaka Viniyoga Darula Sangham, who is seeking a directive for the profits generated from the movie’s enhanced ticket prices to be used for the welfare of cine viewers.
The case, which was heard by a two-judge bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara, has yet to come to a conclusion. Rao, representing himself in court, raised concerns about the substantial hike in ticket prices for Pushpa 2, arguing that the reasons behind this increase were not sufficiently explained. He called for the surplus revenue generated from these higher prices to be allocated towards initiatives aimed at supporting and benefiting the cine viewing public.
The matter is still under deliberation, and the court has requested more details from the petitioner to further understand the issue and the implications of the ticket price hike. The case highlights growing concerns about rising ticket prices in the Telugu film industry and the need for transparency and accountability regarding the distribution of profits generated by blockbuster films like Pushpa 2.
Rao, appearing in court as a party-in-person, raised concerns about the substantial increase in ticket prices for Pushpa 2, arguing that the hike was made without sufficient justification. He stated that the raised prices have disproportionately impacted the common audience, making cinema less accessible to a wider demographic. His petition urges the Telangana High Court to direct the movie’s producers, Mythri Movie Makers, and the film’s star, Allu Arjun, to allocate the profits from these benefit shows towards initiatives designed to benefit cine viewers and support the industry’s welfare.
The issue of rising ticket prices has become a subject of debate in the Telugu film industry, with many cine enthusiasts and stakeholders voicing concerns about the affordability of movies. This PIL adds to the ongoing discourse, as more questions are raised about the fairness and transparency of ticket pricing practices in the industry.
The court’s decision in this case could set a precedent for future discussions about film ticket pricing and the social responsibilities of filmmakers in addressing the welfare of their audiences. The outcome of this case could potentially impact how profits from high-grossing films like Pushpa 2 are handled in the future, ensuring that some of the wealth generated is reinvested back into the community that supports the industry.
