The Telugu states’ distributors caused a major uproar earlier on Monday, as the reports poured in about higher ticket prices for both War 2 and Coolie in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The reports were met with huge outrage on social media, and the makers have hence decided to roll back the decision on the steep ticket prices.
The bookings for War 2 finally commenced first on Tuesday evening in Telangana, followed by Coolie bookings opening a little later. In Hyderabad, the ticket rates for both the films are priced in a similar range, with the multiplex ticket rates peaking at Rs 295 (not including recliner seats which are priced at Rs 350). On the other hand, most single screen tickets for both the films are capped at Rs 175. While the Telangana government reportedly rejected the request for price hikes, the AP government has approved price hike of Rs 100 (for multiplexes) and Rs 75 (single screens) for both Coolie and War 2. Interestingly enough, while the bookings for Coolie in AP cities like Vishakhapatnam have begun on Tuesday around 8pm, War 2 bookings began much later, and had fewer shows.
Reportedly, the ticket prices planned earlier for multiplex shows in AP and Telangana ranged between Rs 300 and Rs 550, significantly higher than Rs 150-200 for Coolie in Tamil Nadu and Rs 180-250 for War 2 in North India. The outrage for these ticket prices was greater considering both Coolie and War 2 are dubbed films for Telugu markets, even though it was being reported that the makers of War 2 have used AI to maximise the lip-sync in the dubbed version.
Meanwhile, a few notable film personalities had expressed their displeasure about the reports of higher ticket rates. Rahul Yadav Nakka, who has produced acclaimed films like Malli Raava and Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya, earlier condemned the practice of increasing ticket rates. He posted on his X page later, “Glad to hear that ticket prices are not hiked in Telangana and only minimal in AP. This is the power of voicing our opinions. This success goes to the Telugu audience at large.”
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, War 2 marks Jr NTR’s debut in Hindi Cinema. The film is an official sequel to the 2019 film War, which had Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff in the lead. War 2 also stars Kiara Advani in a prominent role.
On the other hand, Coolie marks Rajinikanth’s first collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj who has previously delivered blockbusters like Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023) with big stars like Kamal Haasan and Vijay, respectively. The film features big stars like Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Aamir Khan in a guest appearance.
Both the films hit theatres on August 14, with the earlier shows in Hyderabad being scheduled around 7am. In Andhra Pradesh, the permission for a 5am special show for Coolie has been granted.