Dystopian sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, among others, is finally arriving in theatres on June 27. Ahead of its release, the Telangana government has approved extra shows and higher ticket prices for the opening week. News of a 5:30 AM show on release day in Telangana sent fans into a frenzy. However, the accompanying ticket price hike for the first eight days (Rs. 70 for single screens, Rs. 100 for multiplexes) caused some grumbles. While some are thrilled about the early show, others worry this pricing strategy might backfire. A user, sharing a copy of the permit, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Prabhas Kalki film ticket price hike, Telangana government approves extra shows. Ticket price hike is allowed for 8 days from 27th of this month to 4th of July. An increase of Rs.70 in regular theaters and Rs. 100 in multiplexes is allowed. On 27 the show starts at 5:30.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Indian Express Entertainment (@ieentertainment) Social media buzzed with concerns about the impact of high ticket prices. One fan pointed out the Telugu film industry's struggle with early OTT releases, questioning if this is the right move. Another worried about piracy, suggesting that exorbitant prices might push people towards illegal streaming. A third user highlighted the financial strain of school fees in June, questioning the timing of the price hike. Telugu movie industry is facing a tough time with early OTT releases. Adding exorbitant ticket prices for films like #Kalki is a big no! Who will come to theatres if this continues? Let's keep our cinema affordable and accessible, like it's always been. Don’t make movies a luxury pic.twitter.com/6pcDKzHYKj — Swathiiii 🌸 (@Swathi_Prasad96) June 23, 2024 “I think ticket price hike is going to KILL this movie. Ticket hike for kalki is too much, if movie is good and if they believe content is good, then they should release movie at regular price. So PPL can see movie with family. Else piracy. (sic),” read a comment by a user. Another one asserted, "Let's keep our cinema affordable and accessible, like it's always been. Don’t make movies a luxury." Nag Ashwini's Kalki 2898 AD follows Bhairava (Prabhas), a bounty hunter, and SUM-80 (Deepika), a pregnant woman on the run, as their paths collide. The narrative weaves together the stories of a vengeful Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan) and a power-hungry Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), all amidst a backdrop of a dried-up Ganges, a rebel hideout called Shambala, and the resource-rich Complex.
