Multiplex Association Hits Back At Karan Johar, Says Average Family Expense at Multiplexes Is Rs 1,560

In a recent panel discussion hosted by The Hollywood Reporter India, five renowned Indian filmmakers — Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Vetri Maaran, Pa Ranjith, and Mahesh Narayanan — delved into the challenges facing the Indian film industry, with particular attention on the struggling Hindi cinema sector. The conversation also touched on how rising costs are impacting people’s choices to visit theaters, as movie-going becomes an increasingly expensive activity.

Karan Johar, without directly naming them, criticised multiplex chains for their alleged high ticket prices, arguing that they are driving audiences away from cinemas. Citing a survey, he said that many Indian households, who form a large part of the cinema-going population, now watch only two films a year in theaters. He also pointed out that families now prefer dining out instead of spending on expensive snacks at multiplexes.

The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has now countered Karan Johar’s claims, saying that the average cost for a family of four at multiplexes is only 15.6 percent of what he mentioned. In their statement, the MAI explained the frequent changes in ticket prices. They reported that in 2023, the Average Ticket Price (ATP) across all cinemas in India was Rs 130, while PVR INOX, one of the largest multiplex chains, had an ATP of Rs 258 for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The average spend on food and beverages at PVR INOX was Rs 132. This brings the total average cost for a family of four to Rs 1,560.

The MAI said ticket prices vary based on location, day, seat type, and film format. They also mentioned that multiplexes offer discounts and promotions to make movies cheaper. The statement was signed by Kamal Gianchandani, president of MAI and from PVR.

WHAT DID KARAN JOHAR SAY?

Karan Johar had said, “Family members said that they don’t like to go to cinema halls because when kids say that they want popcorn or something to eat, they feel bad denying them. So, they would rather go to a restaurant where they’re not paying for the ticket and are paying only for the food. They said, ‘Our child will point and say they want caramel popcorn, but we can’t afford it’. Because the average cost for a family of four can be Rs 10,000. And maybe those Rs 10,000 are not in their economic planning at all.”