🔗 Share this article

Sahil Arora, a young adult, found himself eagerly looking forward to see the newest Indian cinema offering featuring his favourite performer.

However visiting the movie hall required him to spend considerably - a ticket at a capital city multiplex charged 500 rupees $6, roughly a third of his weekly pocket money.

"I enjoyed the film, but the cost was a disappointing factor," he stated. "Popcorn was an additional five hundred rupees, so I passed on it."

This sentiment is widespread. Increasing ticket and concession costs suggest cinema-goers are reducing on their visits to cinema and moving towards more affordable online options.

Data Show a Story

During recent years, statistics shows that the average cost of a movie admission in the country has increased by 47%.

The Typical Admission Cost (average price) in the pandemic year was 91 rupees, while in 2024 it increased to ₹134, as per audience research data.

The report adds that footfall in the country's cinemas has reduced by six percent in 2024 as compared to 2023, perpetuating a trend in the past few years.

Modern Cinema Viewpoint

One of the main causes why attending films has become costly is because older theatres that provided cheaper entries have now been predominantly superseded by luxurious multi-screen movie complexes that provide a range of amenities.

Yet multiplex operators argue that ticket rates are reasonable and that audiences still attend in substantial amounts.

An executive from a leading multiplex chain stated that the perception that people have discontinued going to theatres is "a common perception inserted without verification".

He says his network has recorded a attendance of 151 million people in the current year, increasing from 140 million visitors in the previous year and the figures have been positive for recent months as well.

Benefit for Money

The representative admits getting some responses about increased ticket prices, but says that audiences keep turn up because they get "value for money" - assuming a movie is entertaining.

"People leave after three hours experiencing content, they've liked themselves in temperature-regulated comfort, with excellent acoustics and an immersive experience."

Several networks are using flexible pricing and weekday offers to entice audiences - for instance, tickets at various locations charge only 92 rupees on Tuesdays.

Control Debate

Various Indian regions have, though, also implemented a cap on ticket costs, initiating a debate on whether this needs to be a country-wide regulation.

Film experts feel that while lower prices could bring in more patrons, owners must maintain the autonomy to keep their businesses profitable.

But, they note that ticket prices must not be so elevated that the masses are excluded. "In the end, it's the public who make the celebrities," a specialist comments.

The Single-Screen Dilemma

Simultaneously, specialists say that even though single screens present cheaper entries, many city middle-class patrons no longer prefer them because they cannot compare with the convenience and services of contemporary theatres.

"This represents a downward spiral," notes an expert. "As visitor numbers are limited, theatre owners are unable to finance proper upkeep. And because the cinemas are not well maintained, people don't want to see movies there."

In Delhi, only a few of single screens still stand. The rest have either shut down or experienced deterioration, their old facilities and obsolete services a reminder of a previous time.

Nostalgia vs Practicality

Some patrons, however, recall older theatres as simpler, more social spaces.

"We would have hundreds audience members crowded simultaneously," reminisces 61-year-old Renu Bhushan. "Those present would react enthusiastically when the star appeared on screen while vendors provided cheap refreshments and refreshments."

But this nostalgia is not shared by everyone.

One visitor, says after visiting both single screens and modern cinemas over the past twenty years, he favors the newer alternative.