Midnight and early morning shows of ‘Pushpa 2’ cancelled

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.