Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has received a major boost ahead of its August 26 release, with both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments approving enhanced ticket prices for the film. While Telangana has permitted an additional Rs 50 on single-screen tickets and Rs 100 in multiplexes and special theatres, Andhra Pradesh has approved the same hike along with a 6 am special premiere priced at Rs 600.
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Both orders, issued on August 25, allow the increased rates for 10 days, from August 26 to September 4.
The Telangana government granted permission to increase ticket rates across all theatres in the state. Under the order, single-screen theatres can charge an additional Rs 50 per ticket, including GST, while multiplexes and special theatres can levy an additional Rs 100.
However, the Telangana approval comes with an additional condition for the film’s producers. KVN and Yash‘s Monster Mind Creations LLP have been directed to contribute Rs 1 crore to the Telugu Film Industry Employees Welfare Committee account operated by the Film Development Corporation. The amount is to be used for the benefit and welfare of employees and workers associated with the film industry.
The Telangana government has also directed theatres screening Toxic to run advertisements highlighting the adverse effects of narcotics, drugs and cybercrime. District Collectors, Commissioners of Police and cinema licensing authorities have been instructed to ensure that theatre managements comply with the order.
Andhra Pradesh approves Rs 600 special show
In Andhra Pradesh, the government has gone a step further by allowing a special premiere of Toxic at 6 am on August 26. The ticket price for this one benefit show has been fixed at Rs 600, inclusive of GST, across theatres in the state.
Apart from the special show, the Andhra Pradesh government has also approved increased rates for regular screenings. Single-screen theatres can charge an additional Rs 50 per ticket, while multiplexes can levy an additional Rs 100, including GST. Like Telangana, the enhanced rates will be applicable for 10 days, from August 26 to September 4, and are permitted for five regular shows per day.
The AP order specifically describes the 6 am screening as only one special benefit show and does not extend the Rs 600 price to regular shows. The additional Rs 50 and Rs 100 charges, meanwhile, are over and above the admission rates prescribed under the state’s existing cinema-ticket rules.
The approvals come just a day before Toxic opens in theatres and are particularly significant for the film’s Telugu release. Advance bookings in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had been delayed as the makers awaited clarity on the revised ticket rates. Reports earlier indicated that the team was waiting for government orders before opening bookings in the Telugu states.
The timing could now allow the film to unlock another significant chunk of its advance sales. Toxic has already recorded strong pre-release bookings in markets where sales opened earlier, with its Day 1 advance gross crossing Rs 40 crore when blocked seats are included, according to trade tracking.
The Telugu states are therefore expected to become an important contributor to the film’s opening-day numbers once bookings fully open. With the price hike now cleared in both states, the film can capitalise on the considerable anticipation around Yash’s return to the big screen.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic stars Yash alongside Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 26.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
