Chennai has been considered as one of the few cosmopolitan cities with
affordable movie ticket prices.
But, with the Madras High Court expressing dissatisfaction over the current ticket price cap and directing the state government to have a ‘rational and realistic consideration’ keeping in mind the rise in wages in many aspects, there is a possibility that the price of film tickets might be increased.
This potential rise has created a buzz not only among the film fraternity, but also among the common people. We talk to exhibitors, producers and the general audience to get their point of view regarding this.
Subramaniam, the owner of Kasi Theatre, argues, “This is one issue for which we’ve been struggling to get the result in our favour for the last 10 years. Right from electricity tariff to wages, there has been a price hike, but we are not given the freedom to fix the price for the tickets. It’s puzzling because this is not the case with other industries — they have the freedom to fix their own rates. And, the public thinks that the theatre owners manage to claim all the profit. That’s not the case, because we’ve to share it with the producers and distributors also.”
Rakesh Gowthaman of Vettri Cinemas, who echoes the same point of view, adds, “It’s not that we are going to increase the ticket rates in theatres in cities like Bengaluru or Pune; I heard that in a few cities, ticket rates are as high as Rs 600. Our state has a healthy film watching group and we don’t want to disappoint them. Increasing the price between Rs 150-Rs 200 is definitely not that high. The technology has improved so much that we have to invest a lot in providing the latest sound system, 3D visuals and more. So, increasing the price, a little bit, is the only mode of recovery for us.”
Meanwhile, SR Prabhu, the producer of the upcoming film Kaashmora, welcomes the new development — “The cost of everything — artistes and technicians’ salaries, production costs — have gone up in recent times. And, on top of that, we, in the film business, are paying taxes for numerous things. Then why not ticket prices?” When asked about the irregularities of ticket prices during first day first show of stars’ films, he says, “It should be made transparent and regularised. Each and every ticket should be accounted for. Then this industry, where currently a producer can’t even get a loan for his film, will become a much respected industry. And it will flourish.”
On the other hand, common people list a few concerns regarding the potential ticket price rise. Hari Krishnan, a movie buff, fears that if the ticket rates become high, it might make the common audience watch films illegally. “I don’t really know the intricacies of the movie business. So, I don’t have an opinion regarding this. But, as a hardcore film enthusiast, and as someone who wishes to get into the industry in the future, I would watch films in theatres, irrespective of the ticket prices. This might not be the case with others — people would move to downloading or buying DVDs of pirated version of the films. That is my only major concern.”
Jenn George, a Chennai-based architect, says, “I’m basically from Kerala and have been to most of the metropolitan cities in India. One thing that sets Chennai apart from the rest is the affordable ticket pricing! If the rate is increased between 30 to 40 bucks, I am fine. I just don’t want theatres in the city to charge as much for the ticket prices as other major cities.”
(With inputs from Kirubhakar Purushothaman)
