Telugu Netizens Slam Ticket Price Hikes for Coolie&War 2
This week, netizens in the Telugu states have been vocal about their frustration over the proposed ticket price hikes for Coolie and War 2, both releasing on August 14. The backlash stems mainly from the steep price difference between these dubbed films in Telugu states compared to their home markets—Tamil Nadu for Coolie and North India for War 2.
The latest update is that the Telangana government has not permitted any ticket hikes, while Andhra Pradesh will allow only nominal increases.
Coolie vs War 2 – A Clash of Titans
The big question in trade circles is whether Yash Raj Films (YRF) underestimated the challenge of clashing with superstar Rajinikanth’s Coolie. Judging by initial advance bookings and U.S. trends, the momentum has been one-sided—decisively in Coolie’s favor.
Despite War 2 boasting an A-list cast—Jr NTR and Hrithik Roshan—the film has trailed behind Coolie since day one. The early lead for Coolie suggests YRF may have miscalculated the pull of Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s brand and Rajinikanth’s massive fan base.
While content will ultimately decide the box office winner, Coolie’s early dominance has already dented War 2’s opening buzz. Even with two Tier-1 stars, a film is not immune to weak pre-release hype or unfavorable word of mouth.
The Power of the Right Combination
A key factor in Coolie’s advantage is its hero-director-composer trio—Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj, and Anirudh Ravichander—a combination that has captured fans’ imagination.
In contrast, War 2 director Ayan Mukerji has struggled to generate similar excitement. With two proven stars, the film should have been a pre-release juggernaut, yet it’s been overshadowed at every turn. The decision to release alongside Coolie, instead of postponing under the pretext of VFX delays, is now being second-guessed. Whether that gamble pays off will be known soon.
Audience Backlash Over Ticket Prices
Beyond the box office race, social media has been flooded with criticism over pricing. Many Telugu moviegoers feel distributors and producers are exploiting their enthusiasm for cinema.
Comments like “Why are Tamil films imposing higher ticket prices in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana? This is a shame for TFI” and “Telugu audiences are being treated as cash cows” capture the widespread resentment.
Amid the uproar, reports suggest producers have backed down from major hikes in Telangana, with bookings to open at regular rates. This move is seen as damage control to avoid further negative sentiment that could hurt collections.
Release Day Awaits
Both War 2 and Coolie hit theaters on August 14. The real battle will unfold once the audience verdict is out—but for now, Coolie seems to have the upper hand both in buzz and bookings.
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