The latest craze, Pushpa 2, has seen its ticket prices skyrocket to Rs. 3000 at Mumbai-based PVR Maison Luxe screens, leaving fans and theater owners alike struggling to cope with the drastic increase. The trend is being observed nationwide, with many theaters following suit.
Producers claim that such price hikes are necessary to make the movies “inclusive” for all viewers. However, this move may ultimately deter audiences from visiting theaters, which would further exacerbate the already precarious situation faced by the cinema industry.
Industry owners express outrage at these practices, citing them as “exploitative” and unfair to customers. Despite their concerns, they are still struggling with rising competition and price hikes.
With numerous streaming options available, some fans might opt for OTT releases or even piracy instead of waiting or paying high prices. This trend could ultimately contribute to the decline of cinema culture, which has already suffered greatly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, it remains to be seen whether producers and theater owners can find a balance between profitability and accessibility for their audience.
Source: https://www.m9.news/movienews/anger-on-pushpa-2-the-rule-theaters-will-be-finished