Nandamuri Balakrishna, who stars in the upcoming film Daku Maharaj, is not only a celebrated actor but also a current MLA and the brother-in-law of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Meanwhile, Ram Charan, another prominent figure in Telugu cinema, is the son of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. These political connections reportedly played a role in granting permission for higher ticket prices for their respective films, Daku Maharaj and Game Changer.
However, recent events have brought scrutiny to this decision. The tragic death of two individuals in a road accident while traveling to a pre-release event for Game Changer has raised questions about the appropriateness of late-night premiere shows. Concerns over public safety and the financial burden on moviegoers have sparked debates about the rising commercialization of film releases.
Responding to these developments, a bench led by the Chief Justice (CJ) has intervened, directing the Andhra Pradesh government to impose restrictions on the increased ticket prices. The court has ordered that premium pricing for both films should be limited to the first 10 days of their theatrical run. This decision aims to strike a balance between supporting the film industry and addressing public concerns over affordability.
The court’s directive has been welcomed by many, who see it as a step towards fairness and accountability in the entertainment industry. With Daku Maharaj set to release as a Sankranthi treat and Game Changer generating immense buzz, the impact of these regulations on ticket sales and audience turnout will be closely watched.