Cinema has traditionally been an affordable form of entertainment, especially in smaller towns where a movie outing feels special. Recently, however, pricing practices at theatres are making audiences question whether that charm is slowly fading.
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However, the offline counter quoted ₹390 for the same ticket. When he questioned the ₹190 difference, staff explained that the price included a Coca-Cola and popcorn combo.
The issue arose when he asked if the combo could be skipped. The answer was no, as the food and beverage bundle was mandatory and could not be removed from the ticket price.
This incident is not an isolated case. Many cinemas are increasingly linking ticket prices with compulsory food and beverage bundles, making it difficult to distinguish between the actual ticket cost and add-ons.
While such practices may help multiplexes manage rising operational costs and competition from streaming platforms, they feel like a hidden price hike for budget-conscious viewers.
Instead of offering transparent options, such as a flat ₹390 ticket or an optional ₹200 combo, customers are often forced into paying for extras they may not want.
In India, where average ticket prices usually range between ₹150 and ₹250, these tactics risk eroding audience trust. Similar complaints have previously surfaced against chains like PVR Inox and Cinepolis.
While regulatory intervention could bring clearer disclosures, moviegoers are currently left to protect themselves. Comparing prices across online platforms such as BookMyShow has become essential.
The next time a ticket comes with a compulsory combo, it may be worth remembering that the popcorn could be carrying a premium of its own.