Revanth Reddy Sets New Condition For Hiking Film Ticket Prices, Mandates Awareness Videos On Drug Menace

Revanth Reddy praised megastar Chiranjeevi for setting an example by providing a video message against narcotic substances.

Revanth Reddy was addressing a gathering after flagging off a fleet of vehicles for the state anti-narcotics bureau and cyber security bureau

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday criticized the Telugu film industry for not fulfilling its social responsibility in raising awareness about the dangers of drugs and cybercrime. He directed officials to set a new pre-condition for filmmakers seeking government permission to hike ticket prices for big-budget films, requiring them to produce a short video promoting awareness on these issues.

Addressing a gathering after flagging off a fleet of vehicles for the state anti-narcotics bureau and cyber security bureau, Reddy emphasized the importance of the film industry's role in societal issues. It is common practice in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to increase ticket prices, with government approval, during the initial days of a film's release.

"The video can be made with the same cast who acted in the film for which permission to hike ticket prices is sought," Reddy said, according to a report on PTI. He praised megastar Chiranjeevi for setting an example by providing a video message against narcotic substances.

Reddy also instructed the Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissioners to request filmmakers to produce short videos promoting awareness against narcotics and cybercrime whenever they seek permissions for film shootings. He asserted that while films are significant investments, the societal issue of drugs cannot be overlooked.

"Theatre owners should screen these short awareness videos free of cost before the main film begins," Reddy instructed. He underscored the devastating impact of drug addiction, stating, "One person dies in a murder, but families suffer if a person is addicted to drugs."

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government's commitment to combatting narcotics and urged the personnel of the state anti-narcotics and cyber crime bureaus to perform their duties diligently. He also promised that efficient officials would receive departmental promotions.