Rising Cinema Ticket Prices in India: A Mixed Bag of Reactions

Thu Oct 16 2025 12:27:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As ticket prices for Indian cinema surge, some moviegoers express discontent while multiplex owners argue the value of the experience justifies costs. Explore how rising prices are reshaping cinema attendance in India.

Cinema ticket prices in India have increased significantly, with an average rise of 47% over five years, pushing some moviegoers towards streaming options. While some lament the high costs, multiplex owners claim that patrons continue to support cinemas for their enhanced experience. However, the financial burden of pricey tickets and snacks remains a pressing concern for many.

Sahil Arora, 20, had been eagerly waiting to watch the latest Bollywood release starring his favourite actor. But going to the theatre set him back considerably - a seat at a Delhi multiplex cost 500 rupees ($6; £4), nearly a third of his weekly pocket money.

I enjoyed the movie, but the price was a sore point, he said. Popcorn was another 500 rupees, so I skipped it. He's not alone. Rising ticket and snack prices mean moviegoers are cutting down on their trips to cinema and moving towards cheaper streaming options.

Harsh Verma, 38, reflects on a time when going to the movies didn't feel like a luxury. Some 15 years ago, my friends and I would go and watch every new release, sometimes every week. That has now become impossible. In the past five years, data shows that the average cost of a film ticket in India has risen by 47%. The Average Ticket Price (ATP) in 2020 was 91 rupees, while in 2024 it rose to 134, according to audience research firm Ormax media. However, data shows a stabilization in prices with a mere 3% increase between 2023 and 2024.

The report adds that footfall in Indian cinemas has reduced by 6% in 2024 as compared to 2023, continuing a trend in recent years. One of the main reasons going to movies has become expensive is the shift from single-screen theatres, which offered cheaper options, to plush multi-screen cinemas with added amenities.

Despite complaints about high prices, multiplex owners argue that ticket prices reflect the quality of the experience provided. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, executive director of multiplex chain PVR INOX Limited, stated that they recorded a footfall of 151 million in 2024, up from 140 million in 2023. He emphasized that audiences continue to turn up for good films because they offer immersive experiences that can't be replicated at home.

To attract more audiences, multiplexes are utilizing flexible pricing and weekday specials. However, some states have implemented caps on ticket prices, leading to discussions about the potential for nationwide regulations. Critics express concern that excessively high prices deter the general public, who are essential to the film industry's success.

As India’s cinema landscape evolves, the increased costs and competition from streaming services have sparked diverse opinions about the future of the theatrical experience. Whether people return to cinemas or continue to opt for budget-friendly streaming services remains to be seen.