‘Ticket hikes approved without my consent’: Komatireddy’s remarks spark storm in Congress

Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has distanced himself from recent government orders approving movie ticket price hikes in Telangana, claiming they were issued without his knowledge or consent. His remarks come amid controversy over the approval of higher ticket rates for Chiranjeevi’s upcoming film ‘Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’.

Hyderabad: Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy triggered a political storm within the Congress, while exposing the state of affairs in the Telangana Cabinet, by revealing that he had stopped focusing on the film industry and that two orders on movie ticket price hikes were issued without his knowledge or consent.

After the ‘Pushpa 2’ stampede incident, it was made clear to film producers and exhibitors not to approach the State government for benefit shows or ticket hikes, he said while speaking to media persons here on Saturday. However, the recent government orders on movie ticket price hikes were issued without his knowledge, he added.

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“In the recent past, two films and one film’s ticket hikes were not approved by me. And also, for movies slated for release this week, no file was brought to my notice,” Venkat Reddy said, adding that after he had made things clear, no one was approaching him or filing applications.

Komatireddy’s comments assume significance in the wake of the State government approving ticket price hikes for the Megastar Chiranjeevi starrer ‘Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’, which is scheduled for release on January 12.

The State government reportedly issued an order past midnight to avoid court stays and approved a premiere show to be held on Sunday at 8 pm with a ticket price of Rs 600. Similarly, single screen theatres were permitted to increase ticket fares by Rs 50 and multiplexes by Rs 100. These enhanced rates are applicable from January 12 to 18.

Even as social media is abuzz over the State government approving these hikes, the Minister recalled that a clear announcement was made in the Assembly that no ticket hikes or premiere shows would be allowed.

“Sticking to that announcement, I have not signed a single file,” Venkat Reddy said, adding that he had no clue who was permitting the ticket hikes and issuing the Government Orders (GOs) .

The Minister also clarified that, barring issues relating to film workers and artistes, particularly their housing problems, he was not “bothering” about ticket hikes and permissions for premiere shows.

“I don’t want to focus on the film industry,” he added.