The Telangana government has sparked controversy by allowing a special premiere and a significant increase in ticket prices for the upcoming film Hari Hara Veera Mallu, starring actor-politician Pawan Kalyan.

This decision comes just months after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had firmly stated in the Assembly that no such privileges would be granted to films following the tragic Pushpa 2 stampede incident.

According to the government’s order, the film’s premiere show is scheduled for 9 pm on July 23, a day before its official release, with tickets priced at Rs 600. Between July 24 and 27, multiplex tickets may be sold with an additional charge of Rs 200, while single-screen tickets can be increased by Rs 150. From July 28 to August 2, the permitted hike is Rs 150 for multiplexes and up to Rs 106 for single screens.

This approval contradicts the Chief Minister’s strong statements in December 2024. Following the Pushpa 2 promotional event at Sandhya Theatre, which turned tragic with a stampede causing one death and serious injury to another, Revanth Reddy had blamed reckless crowd-pulling by actors and declared, “Until I am Chief Minister, I will not allow any privileges to the film industry.” He had also promised to end benefit and premiere shows to ensure public safety.

Responding to the recent clearance, producer AM Rathnam credited Rohin Reddy, a close aide of the Chief Minister, for securing the permission. At a recent event, Rathnam said, “After the recent (Allu Arjun) incident in Telangana, we couldn’t get ticket hikes and premieres. But thanks to (Revanth Reddy’s close aide) Rohin Reddy, who is present here, in this event we received clearance for special show."