Allu Arjun on the poster of Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Credit: Mythri Movie Makers
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner (DC) has directed the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and the Rural District Police to take action against cinema halls exhibiting shows before 6:30 am.
According to the Karnataka Cinema Regulations Act, films can be exhibited in cinema halls only after 6:30 am.
This comes after the Allu Arjun-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Pushpa 2: The Rule saw midnight and early morning show bookings — as early as 3 am — in the city. These shows in about 42 theatres across the city have now been cancelled.
According to the film’s team, people who had booked tickets for these shows can claim a refund or watch the next show in the same theatre.
“As per government rules, midnight shows and morning shows as early as 3 am are not allowed. In recent days, this has become a trend in Bengaluru. We should respect the law. I appreciate the DC's efforts,” N M Suresh, president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) told DH.
Suresh also emphasised on the abnormal prices of these shows — the midnight and 3 am shows of the film were priced between Rs 800 and Rs 2,000.
“There is a guideline in the neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh that ticket prices should not be higher than Rs 200. The state government should implement such a rule in Karnataka as well,” Suresh added.
Written and directed by Sukumar, Pushpa 2: The Rule is a sequel to the 2021 film, Pushpa: The Rise. The film also features Fahadh Faasil and Daali Dhananjaya in prominent roles.