Producer Naga Vamsi Defends Ticket Prices for Jr NTR’s *Devara*: “Cinema is the Most Affordable Form of Entertainment

Producer Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, known for his work in Tollywood, has defended the ticket prices for Jr NTR’s recent film Devara, distributed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Amid criticism over rising ticket prices, he stated in an interview with Great Andhra that a family of four can enjoy three hours of entertainment for ₹1,500 at a single-screen theater, including ticket costs and snacks. Vamsi acknowledged Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for temporarily increasing ticket prices but emphasized that cinema remains the most affordable entertainment option compared to other leisure activities, such as visiting shopping malls. He questioned the notion of exploitation in the context of ticket pricing.

Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, a prominent producer in Tollywood, has come under scrutiny for the ticket prices of Jr NTR’s recent film, *Devara*, which he distributed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Amid the ongoing challenges in drawing audiences to theaters, his comments regarding ticket pricing have ignited discussions on social media.

In a recent interview with *Great Andhra*, Naga Vamsi acknowledged Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for approving a temporary hike in movie ticket prices for ten days. However, he faced criticism over the significant increase in prices.

To justify the ticket price increase for *Devara*, Naga Vamsi stated, “For a family of four attending a single-screen theater at a ticket price of ₹250, the total cost would be ₹1,000 (4 x 250) plus around ₹500 for snacks and drinks. So, they are enjoying three hours of entertainment for just ₹1,500.” He challenged audiences to find alternative entertainment options in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, or the US that offer three hours of enjoyment for the same price.

Vamsi further asserted that even spending three hours at a shopping mall would exceed ₹1,500.