Ashwini Dutt clarifies on Kalki 2898 AD ticket rates vis a vis Pawan Kalyan

Reports had surfaced suggesting that Kalyan had offered to approve a massive increase in ticket prices for the film, allowing for rates as high as Rs 1000 per ticket, mirroring those seen in North Indian multiplexes. However, producer Chalasani Ashwini Dutt, who is behind the film, issued a statement on Friday clarifying the situation and refuting these claims.

Dutt asserted that his words regarding ticket prices had been taken out of context and misrepresented, leading to misinformation. He emphasized that Kalyan's intention is to find a long-term solution to the issue of ticket pricing, one that doesn't necessitate producers repeatedly seeking government approval for price increases.

The current system in South India, with the exception of Karnataka, grants states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Telugu states significant control over movie ticket rates. While the Andhra Pradesh government may make exceptions for high-budget films, allowing producers to charge slightly higher prices for the initial weeks to recover their investments, this policy often leaves producers reliant on government decisions.

This has historically been a point of contention for members of the Telugu film fraternity, who had previously expressed opposition to the system, citing financial losses despite strong audience turnout in Andhra Pradesh.

With Pawan Kalyan's appointment as Deputy Chief Minister, there is a sense of optimism among producers who anticipate a more flexible and accommodating approach to ticket pricing. This could potentially grant them greater autonomy in setting ticket rates, allowing them to navigate the market more effectively.

"Kalki 2898 AD," starring Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, and Amitabh Bachchan, has already achieved phenomenal box office success, exceeding Rs 700 crore globally. With projections indicating a potential final gross of nearly Rs 1000 crore, the film's success is expected to fuel further discussion and potential changes in the ticket pricing landscape.