Ram Gopal Varma Continues to Defend the Pushpa 2 Ticket Price Hike

Ram Gopal Varma, the filmmaker known for his outspoken views, has continued to stand by the decision to hike the ticket prices for Pushpa 2: The Rule, which premiered on December 4. The film, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, is expected to break box office records, with ticket prices exceeding ₹2000 in select theatres in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Varma defended the price increase on social media, addressing the criticism it has received from moviegoers.

In his latest note, Varma pointed out that in a capitalist society, people have the freedom to choose how they spend their money, whether on a luxury product or an entertainment experience. He explained that the pricing of Pushpa 2 reflects its perceived value, much like any other high-end product. “Luxury items like branded clothes, luxury cars, or a seven-star hotel experience come at high prices, and no one complains. Why then should we cry over the price of a movie ticket?” he wrote.

Varma compared the situation to a restaurant charging ₹1000 for an idli. He used this analogy to highlight how businesses—whether in food or entertainment—set their prices based on the value they offer. If customers feel that the price doesn’t match the quality, they choose not to buy. Similarly, he pointed out that people who find the movie ticket too expensive can always wait for a price drop or decide to skip the film altogether.

He also highlighted the irony of the situation, where despite the high prices, the demand for Pushpa 2 tickets remains sky-high. “Even after hiking prices, the tickets are sold out. The proof of the value lies in the fact that people are rushing to buy them, just like Subbarao’s idli shop is always full,” Varma said.

Box Office Success of Pushpa 2: The Rule

Pushpa 2: The Rule has already been a massive success even before its release, breaking records with ₹100 crore in bookings globally. The film has also earned $2.5 million in pre-sales in the United States, showing the vast international appeal of the movie. Directed by Sukumar, this highly anticipated sequel continues the story of Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), a red Sanders smuggler who is now an influential figure in the criminal world. Rashmika Mandanna returns as Pushpa’s wife, Srivalli, while Fahadh Faasil plays the role of his antagonist, Bhanwar Singh Shekawat. The film is expected to deepen the narrative surrounding Pushpa’s rise to power, as well as the conflict with his enemies.