The Supreme Court of India has criticized multiplexes for charging exorbitant prices like Rs 100 for water and Rs 700 for coffee, urging cinema owners to make movie outings affordable and enjoyable for the common public again.
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NEW DELHI: A simple family movie night has turned into a luxury affair for many Indians. A small tub of popcorn costs over ₹500, while adding caramel or cheese can push the bill past ₹700. A cold drink priced at ₹50 outside is sold for ₹400 plus taxes at multiplexes, and even a half-litre water bottle costs ₹100.
When movie tickets themselves range between ₹400 and ₹1,200, the joy of watching a film in theatres quickly fades. The Supreme Court of India criticizes the high multiplex food and ticket prices, backing Karnataka’s Rs 200 ticket cap.
Supreme Court to Multiplex Owners
The Supreme Court of India has finally taken note of these exorbitant rates. On Monday, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta warned that unchecked pricing could drive audiences away, leaving cinema halls empty.
During the hearing of Multiplex Association of India & Another vs The Karnataka State Film Chamber of Commerce & Others, Justice Nath remarked:
“You charge ₹100 for a water bottle, ₹700 for coffee. Cinema as it is declining—make it more reasonable for people to come and enjoy it, otherwise cinema halls will be empty.”
The case arose from the Karnataka government’s decision to cap film ticket prices at ₹200, a move multiplex owners are contesting.
Karnataka’s Move to Make Cinema Affordable
The Karnataka High Court had earlier upheld the government’s move, though it attached strict conditions, multiplexes must:
- Maintain auditable records of every ticket sold.
- Track online and offline buyers for possible refunds.
- Verify financial records through chartered accountants.
These measures are meant to protect consumers if the price cap is ultimately enforced.
However, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Multiplex Association, compared multiplex pricing to luxury hotels:
“The Taj will charge ₹1,000 for coffee, can you fix it? It is a matter of choice.”
Justice Nath disagreed, saying,
“This [rates] should be fixed.”
The debate over multiplex pricing isn’t new. For years, moviegoers have complained about being overcharged for snacks and drinks. Social media is flooded with posts comparing theatre prices to restaurant bills or mocking ₹700 popcorn tubs.
Trade analyst Himesh Mankad wrote on X:
“Multiplex chains are responsible for killing the cinema-going habits of the common man. Rather than inviting audiences to experience cinema on the big screen, they are driving them away with high ticket prices.”
Even filmmaker Karan Johar admitted that a movie outing for four now costs ₹10,000, a price tag that’s out of reach for many middle-class families.
A 2023 CII consumer survey found that an average multiplex visit costs ₹1,800 per person, leading to a 15% dip in footfalls post-pandemic. Meanwhile, affordable streaming options like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video have become the go-to for most households.
With the film industry facing stiff competition from OTT platforms, high ticket and food prices only push more people to stay home.