The highly anticipated Akhanda 2, directed by Boyapati Srinu and starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, has finally received approval for a ticket price hike in Telangana. The government issued a GO permitting the film’s premiere on Thursday night. As per the order, one premiere show at 8 pm has been allowed, with the ticket price fixed at ₹600, including GST.

The GO also grants permission for increased ticket prices for three days — from December 5 to 7. For single-screen theatres, an additional ₹50 per ticket is permitted, while multiplexes may charge an extra ₹100.

Notably, the government has mandated that theatre managements contribute 20% of the incremental revenue to benefit film industry workers.

A few weeks ago, the Telangana Chief Minister, during a felicitation event organized by the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation, assured that the government would introduce legal provisions requiring filmmakers who receive permission for ticket hikes to contribute 20% of the additional profits to a Workers’ Welfare Fund. This GO marks the first enforcement of that promise.

“All theatre managements screening this movie at enhanced rates are directed to compulsorily contribute 20% of the incremental revenue earned from the film to the Movie Artists Welfare Association account to support industry workers,” the GO states.

The government also noted that a separate account will be created for this fund, to be operated by the Film Development Corporation (FDC). Akhanda 2 is the first major film to receive a ticket price hike under the new policy.

Additionally, the GO mandates that theatres screen advertisements highlighting the adverse effects of narcotics, drug abuse, and cybercrime.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government issued a similar GO for a ticket price hike for Akhanda 2 earlier this week, also permitting benefit shows on Thursday.