On Thursday, several theatres screening 'Akhanda' in Andhra Pradesh have reportedly been targeted by inspectors. The Sanghamitra Theatre in Mylavaram, Krishna district, has reportedly been sealed by inspectors for starting an early show of the Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer. The government had not permitted early shows in the State.

As per some unverified reports, plans are afoot to target many more theatres in the State if they are caught flouting rules.

The exhibition sector in AP is reeling under a severe crisis, accentuated by the unsustainably low ticket prices. The Jaganmohan Reddy government has gone back on its promise to look into the requests made informally and formally by several Tollywoodians. Telugu film industry stalwarts such as Chiranjeevi are said to be disappointed with the turn of events in recent months.

Theatres are targeted by inspectors because exhibitors resort to shortcuts to recover costs when ticket prices are too low. The shortcuts make them vulnerable to harassment.