The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is reluctant to revise the cinema ticketing prices in the state. There are several reports claiming that the government of Andhra Pradesh will not be permitting an upgraded pricing system in the near future. This would mean that every Telugu biggie that is gearing up for theatrical release in the next few days will have to make do with the restricted ticket pricing. This could greatly affect the box office prospects of Telugu biggies in the regional market. It is heard that the distributors in Andhra Pradesh are already demanding the producers to slash the asking prices and are citing the restricted pricing system in Andhra Pradesh as the reason behind their demand.
It appears to be that Nandamuri Balakrishna’ Akhanda will be one of the first Telugu biggies that will be taking a beating due to the reluctance of Andhra Pradesh government to implement improved ticket pricing system at cinema halls across the state.The state government will take the final call on the improved ticket pricing system only after the online ticketing platform is nearing completion. Till then, big-ticket Telugu films will have to make do with the restricted ticket prices that are in effect now.
It is heard that Akhanda is one of the costliest projects in Balakrishna’s career as the makers spent in excess of Rs 80 crores in the project. With so much at stake, the onus is on the openings. If the film gets off to a super bright start at the box office, it might be in a better position to recover the heavy investments that were made. However, the distributors are not willing to take the big risk with Akhanda and they are mounting pressure on the makers to deduct the asking price for the theatrical rights of the Balakrishna starrer. The makers are yet to make any assurance about the same though.
Now, it remains to be seen if Balakrishna’s Akhanda can put on a fine show at the box office. The film is apparently gearing up for theatrical release on the 2nd of December. The makers are yet to confirm the same though.