The discussion about the untenable Ticket rates in Andhra Pradesh has come under the radar once again. In B and C centers, the rates set by the Andhra Pradesh Government could not even recover the electricity charges which may even force them to shut down forever.
The trade is expecting a reasonable request of uniform ₹100 Rate (maximum) for A/c theaters across all classes of theaters. The Government (so far) is not ready even for that. During the Vakeel Saab times, we have seen YSR Congress ministers delivering speeches about how the industry is robbing people in the name of entertainment.
They say these rates are to make entertainment affordable to the common man in the state. But that brings us to the question of the ticket rates being unreasonable. Governments have all rights to regulate the prices of a product which is a basic necessity. But cinema is not one. It is more of an entertainment option which some people even call a Luxury.
On the other side, the same government levies abnormal taxes on liquor and sells them at the highest rates in the country. Liquor is not a basic necessity for all but it is for many who can not live without it and are addicted to it. Many families are languishing in hunger as the men spend their daily earnings on a quarter bottle.
While the Government fills its coffers, some families may have to sleep on an empty stomach for that day. And that brings us to that question, is the Government morally justified to blame the film industry? A uniform 100 Rupees maximum rate is a very reasonable demand which will help the industry thrive.
The Government should agree for that and may keep a tab on any discrepancies like black market etc.
