Officials Swing into Action on Pawan Kalyan’s Orders: Surprise Inspections in Theatres

Following directives issued by State Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Cinematography Pawan Kalyan, government officials have promptly mobilized to conduct inspections in cinema theatres. His recent focus on the excessive pricing of food items and operational shortcomings in cinema halls has triggered immediate enforcement activities. The impact of these inspections was particularly evident in Kakinada.

On Wednesday, authorities including the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), Mandal Revenue Officers (MROs), police, and fire services personnel carried out surprise inspections at Chanakya and Chandragupta theatres located on Kakinada’s Cinema Road. The inspections were conducted by MROs from Peddapuram, Kajuluru, Tallarevu, Karapa, Kakinada, and Kakinada Rural areas.

Pawan Kalyan had recently emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in the management of cinema halls across the state to provide better services to audiences. In the wake of a proposed theatre shutdown, Minister for Cinematography Kandula Durgesh brought the department’s enforcement efforts to Pawan Kalyan’s attention. In response, the Deputy Chief Minister issued several key instructions.

During a meeting, concerns were raised over the high prices of popcorn, snacks, soft drinks, and even bottled water in cinema halls—often surpassing the cost of movie tickets. Pawan Kalyan directed the relevant departments to closely monitor and regulate these prices, ensuring compliance with actual retail prices and quality standards.

He also brought to light the issue of monopolistic practices in the sale of food and beverages across both multiplexes and single-screen cinemas. Pawan Kalyan recommended that a comprehensive investigation be initiated by the Cinematography Department.

He expressed that families attending movies should not be discouraged by unaffordable food and beverage prices. Reasonable pricing, he asserted, would boost audience turnout and consequently increase government revenue through taxes. He further stated that the issue should be reviewed in coordination with the taxation department.

In line with these directives, officials promptly initiated inspections in theatres. It is anticipated that such inspections may continue across the state.