Chiranjeevi clarifies role in cinema ticket pricing amid debate in Andhra Pradesh Assembly 

Recent remarks in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly by senior legislators Nandamuri Balakrishna and Kamineni Srinivas prompted actor and former parliamentarian K. Chiranjeevi to clarify his role in cinema ticket pricing.

On September 25, during the Assembly session, Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna suggested that Chiranjeevi’s interactions with the former YSRCP government and film industry figures were overstated.

In response, Chiranjeevi, through a press release, explained the circumstances. He stated that during the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government, several leading Telugu film producers and directors—including S.S. Rajamouli, Koratala Siva, Trivikram Srinivas, Mahesh, and N.T. Rama Rao Jr.—had approached him to address rising production costs and the need to revise cinema ticket rates. Acting on their request, Chiranjeevi contacted the then State Minister for Cinematography, Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani), who subsequently arranged a one-on-one meeting with the Chief Minister.

Chiranjeevi emphasised that he personally met the Chief Minister to present the concerns of the film industry. These discussions led to government approval for increasing ticket prices, benefiting producers, distributors, and exhibitors. He clarified that his intervention was strictly professional and aimed at assisting the industry—not for personal or political gain. Meanwhile, the All India Chiranjeevi Youth Association condemned Balakrishna’s remarks, calling them disrespectful to Chiranjeevi and offensive to the wider Mega family. The organisation demanded a public apology and warned that failure to comply could trigger significant public protests. They also noted that Chiranjeevi has historically refrained from responding to provocations, maintaining dignity despite repeated controversies. Currently abroad, Chiranjeevi issued the statement via press release.