Since the new GST tax regime was announced, cinephiles have been eager to know how it will affect movie ticket prices. But for most Telugu moviegoers, the change brings little to no real relief.
Starting 22nd September 2025, the revised GST slabs will apply. Tickets priced at Rs 100 or below will be taxed at 5%, down from the earlier 12%. Tickets costing more than Rs 100 will continue to attract 18% GST, just like before.
While this may look like a positive move, the reality is different. Most theatres in the Telugu states charge above Rs 100 already, especially for first-day shows and weekend screenings. So, the benefit barely reaches the average viewer.
The 5% slab could help budget single screens in small towns. A 7% drop in tax might lower ticket costs in those few cinemas that still keep prices under Rs 100. But such theatres are now rare, especially in cities.
Urban audiences and fans of big-budget Telugu films will feel no impact. High-profile releases, which dominate multiplexes, fall squarely into the 18% slab. So, for city-based cinema lovers, the reduced tax is almost irrelevant.
Industry experts say the move helps some struggling single screens in rural areas, where ticket affordability still matters. But multiplex owners and big film distributors see no change, as their films remain heavily taxed.
Unless the 18% GST is reworked, Telugu cinema will stay dependent on premium pricing for major releases. The GST cut may sound people-friendly, but in practice, it benefits only a handful of low-cost theatres.
For the majority, including fans of top Telugu stars, movie-going expenses will remain just as high.
