Why Indian Moviegoers Are Paying More But Still Loving The Big Screen

The cost of watching movies in Indian cinemas has been rising steadily, and it is starting to affect how people enjoy films. Sahil Arora, a 20-year-old student, was excited to see the latest Bollywood movie starring his favorite actor. However, when he went to a multiplex in Delhi, he was surprised to find that a single ticket cost 500 rupees, which is almost a third of his weekly allowance. Popcorn was just as expensive, so he decided to skip it. Sahil’s experience is becoming more common as ticket and snack prices go up, causing many movie fans to visit cinemas less often and turn to streaming services at home instead. Harsh Verma, 38, remembers a time when he and his friends could watch every new release, sometimes every week. Now, he says, that is no longer possible because tickets are too expensive.

Over the past five years, the average price of a movie ticket in India has increased by 47 percent. In 2020, the average ticket price was 91 rupees, but by 2024, it had risen to 134 rupees. Although the increase from 2023 to 2024 was only 3 percent, fewer people are going to the cinema. The number of visitors dropped by 6 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. One major reason for the higher prices is that single-screen cinemas, which used to offer cheaper tickets, are being replaced by modern multiplexes. These multiplexes have more screens and offer better amenities, but they also charge more for tickets and snacks.

Multiplex owners argue that their prices are reasonable and that people still enjoy going to the movies. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, executive director of PVR INOX Limited, says his chain saw 151 million visitors in 2024, up from 140 million in 2023. He believes that audiences are willing to pay more for a good film and a comfortable experience. Many multiplexes use flexible pricing and special weekday offers to attract more people, such as cheaper tickets on Tuesdays. Some Indian states have set limits on ticket prices, but cinema owners say they need steady income to maintain and improve their facilities. Film critics and industry experts believe that ticket prices should not be so high that ordinary people cannot afford to go, but owners also need to keep their businesses profitable.

Single-screen cinemas are now rare in cities like Delhi, and many have closed or fallen into disrepair. Some people remember them as lively community spaces where hundreds of people watched movies together and enjoyed cheap snacks. However, others prefer multiplexes because they offer better seats, clean facilities, and more security. The rise of streaming services has also changed how people watch movies. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many theaters closed, and people started watching new releases at home. Streaming subscriptions are much cheaper than buying tickets for a whole family at a multiplex. Despite this, some cinema owners believe that people are returning to theaters for the unique experience they offer. They say that watching a movie in a cinema is more immersive and enjoyable than watching at home, and that cinemas will continue to be important for movie lovers.