The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the exorbitant prices of food and beverages sold at multiplexes, warning that unchecked rates could drive audiences away from theatres.
During a recent hearing, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that charging â¹100 for bottled water and â¹700 for coffee was unreasonable.
“Cinema is already in decline. Make it more affordable for people to enjoy it, or cinema halls will be empty,” Justice Nath remarked, according to Live Law.
The comments came during the hearing of Multiplex Association of India and Another vs The Karnataka State Film Chamber of Commerce and Others, where multiplex owners have challenged the Karnataka government’s decision to cap ticket prices at â¹200.
Karnataka’s Price Cap Move
The Karnataka government introduced the ticket cap to make cinema more accessible amid rising entertainment costs.
While the Karnataka High Court had stayed the order earlier, it imposed conditions such as maintaining auditable ticket records, verification by chartered accountants, and accountability in refunds.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the multiplex association, argued that pricing should remain a matter of consumer choice. “Taj charges â¹1,000 for coffee—can you fix that?” he asked.
However, the court disagreed, observing that unlike luxury hotels, cinema is a mass medium and should remain affordable.
Growing Gap Between Multiplexes and Viewers
The discussion highlighted the growing divide between multiplex pricing and the spending capacity of average moviegoers. Justice Nath noted that “there are no normal cinemas left,” expressing concern over how steep prices are alienating the middle class.
Rohatgi countered that regulating such rates was “unworkable,” particularly for cash ticket sales that don’t record customer identity.
Audience Frustration and Declining Attendance
Complaints about overpriced snacks and drinks in multiplexes have been common for years, with moviegoers often pointing out the sharp contrast between retail and in-theatre prices.
According to a 2023 CII consumer survey, an average multiplex visit costs around â¹1,800 per person, making it a luxury for many families.
The report also revealed a 15% decline in footfalls since the pandemic, reflecting how high prices are pushing people toward OTT platforms and smaller theatres.
The Supreme Court’s latest remarks have reignited a long-running debate on whether India’s multiplex chains need to rethink their pricing strategy to bring audiences back to the big screen.