An interim order issued by the Andhra Pradesh state high court imposing significant restrictions on film screenings during the festive season has pushed the film makers whose films are up for release on Sankranti in a tight spot.
In the wake of growing concern over crowd management, the high court ruled that theatres cannot screen special shows on midnight (1 AM) or early morning (4 AM).
The ruling also emphasized the need for adequate police protection to manage theatre crowds effectively.
As a result, the state government issued a memo, outlining new regulations on ticket price hikes and additional shows.
The memo specifically prohibits the sixth show, allowing theatres to screen a maximum of five shows daily for ten days, with one being a benefit show.
The district collectors and police commissioners have been directed to enforce these measures strictly.
While Ram Charan's film Game Changer escaped the restrictions, Balakrishna’s Daaku Maharaaj (releasing January 12), and Venkatesh’s Sankranthiki Vasthunam (releasing January 14) are going to face a tricky situation due to lack of special shows.
Interestingly, the online booking agencies like Book My Show have already sold their tickets for 4 am special show for Daaku Maharaaj in certain regions of Andhra Pradesh. These shows are now uncertain, creating potential revenue losses for the industry.
Analysts predict the restrictions will significantly affect box office collections during the Sankranti season, traditionally a lucrative period for Telugu cinema.
