Thu Sep 25 14:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Telugu cinema superstar Chiranjeevi has responded to comments made about him in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly by legislators Kamineni Srinivas and Nandamuri Balakrishna regarding his involvement in discussions with the former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy about cinema ticket pricing issues. Chiranjeevi clarified the circumstances of his meeting with Jagan, stating he initiated discussions at the request of producers and facilitated a delegation of industry members to meet the CM. He stated that it was due to his efforts that the government agreed to raise ticket prices and it helped films like ‘Veera Simha Reddy’ and ‘Waltair Veerayya’. He denied claims that he had to strongly demand a meeting with the CM. Balakrishna, in the Assembly, contested claims that Jagan “came down” only after Chiranjeevi’s intervention, asserting the industry was humiliated instead.
**News Article:**
**Chiranjeevi Responds to Assembly Remarks on Ticket Pricing Talks with Former AP CM Jagan**
**Hyderabad, [Date]** – Telugu cinema icon Chiranjeevi has issued a statement responding to comments made in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly by MLAs Kamineni Srinivas and Nandamuri Balakrishna concerning his role in negotiating cinema ticket pricing with the previous state government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The controversy stems from discussions in the Assembly regarding the challenges faced by the Telugu film industry under the previous administration. Kamineni Srinivas reportedly stated that Chiranjeevi had to strongly advocate for a meeting with then-Chief Minister Jagan. Balakrishna contested this, stating that it was false and that the industry faced humiliation instead.
Chiranjeevi refuted claims that he had to demand a meeting. He clarified that he met with Jagan at the Chief Minister’s invitation following requests from film producers to address concerns about ticket prices.
“I watched Balakrishna’s comments on TV,” Chiranjeevi stated. “When the Jagan government was in power in AP, some producers approached me to talk to the government about raising ticket prices. I went to his residence at the invitation of the Chief Minister. While having lunch, I explained to the CM the difficulties of the film industry. I told the CM that everyone felt there was a gap between the industry and you. I requested that we all come together if you give us time.”
He further explained that he facilitated a delegation of industry members, including R. Narayana Murthy, to meet with the Chief Minister after being limited to five members due to Covid restrictions. He emphasized that he advocated for government support for the film industry and that his efforts led to a positive outcome. “It was because of my initiative that the government agreed to increase ticket prices,” Chiranjeevi said. “The government’s decision benefited the film industry to some extent. Ticket prices for ‘Veerasimha Reddy’ and ‘Waltair Veerayya’ increased. Producers, distributors and exhibitors benefited.”
Chiranjeevi insisted that he always engages in respectful and natural communication, whether with the Chief Minister or a common person. The exchange in the Assembly highlights ongoing debates about government regulation of the film industry and the relationships between political leaders and prominent figures in Telugu cinema.
First Piper 