Telangana High Court Sets New Guidelines for Ticket Price Hikes in Telugu Cinema

The Telangana High Court has once again issued significant directions regarding ticket price hikes in Telugu cinema. On Tuesday, the court heard a petition challenging a memo from the Home Department that permitted increased ticket prices for the film Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu. During the proceedings, the High Court issued suo motu contempt notices to C.V. Anand, Principal Secretary of the Home Department, expressing strong displeasure over the order that allowed the price hike, stating it violated previous court directives.

The court emphasized that such actions undermine judicial authority and set a concerning precedent for the industry, drawing attention from filmmakers, distributors, and audiences across the Telugu states. Advocate Vijay Gopal, representing the petitioner in WP No. 1518 of 2026, argued that Home Department officials deliberately breached earlier court orders. He further claimed that authorities failed to inform the court about the ticket price increase for Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu and allegedly suppressed key facts.

Based on these arguments, the High Court issued contempt notices to C.V. Anand, signaling a firm stance on adherence to judicial orders. The court also highlighted that transparency and compliance with legal processes are essential for maintaining public trust in the administration of cinema regulations. The Telangana High Court has directed that any decision regarding ticket price hikes must strictly follow the Telangana Cinemas Regulation Act, 1955. The court mandated that any increase in ticket prices for any film must be announced at least 90 days in advance, ensuring ample time for public notice and industry preparation.

The court issued a firm warning to authorities, instructing them not to issue similar orders in the future without complying with its earlier directives. This ruling aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the process of ticket pricing, which has been a contentious issue in the Telugu film industry for several years. The judgment is expected to have a significant impact on upcoming releases, as Producers and distributors will now need to plan promotional strategies and pricing well in advance.