The answers to 5 questions everyone’s asking

As the country celebrates National Cinema Day today, we talk to industry players, who answer some of the biggest queries — from rising ticket prices to growing competition with OTT space
Text: Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 23, 2022)

Theatres are often criticised for charging higher prices for snacks inside the premises. Amid calls to regulate the prices or allow outside snacks, how do you plan to tackle this?
It is not a misconception that food inside halls comes at a cost. It is an individual’s choice whether they want to buy or not. Food and beverages revenue is important for us to build our infrastructure. It is one area where we need to recover some investment so that the cinema-viewing experience can continue growing.
- DEVANG SAMPAT, CEO, CINEPOLIS INDIA
--------------------------------------------
With some big-budget films falling flat at the box office, do you think OTT is a tough competitor and how can the hurdle be overcome?
National Cinema Day is a nice way to get people into the habit of coming to the cinemas again, especially with competition from OTT. Recently, an exhibitor said that ticket price of ₹75 should be a rule in the industry. After two weeks, when collections start dipping, ticket rates should be slashed, so that those who can’t afford tickets or usually feel inclined to watch on OTT, may feel motivated to come to theatres.
- KOMAL NAHTA, TRADE EXPERT
--------------------------------------------
While tickets are priced at Rs. 75 today, what about the ticket pricing in general? For many, it is still an expensive affair if they plan to go out with the whole family
The average ticket price is around Rs. 240, and the quality we offer is on a par with global standards. In India, every cost rises by 5-7% every year... People can choose between expensive cinemas and the more affordable ones. We also have days and shows where tickets are priced lower.
- KAMAL GIANCHANDANI, CEO, PVR PICTURES LIMITED
--------------------------------------------
Do you plan to devise a way so that every film, whatever its budget, gets fair play at the box office?
Allotment of screens and shows in a day is based on the potential of a film. If 25 titles release in a day, we’ve to see the demand. That being said, we assess the response after release and decide screen share. Films are running for longer now. Karthikeya 2 is in its 10th week, and Top Gun: Maverick is running till now
- RAJENDER SINGH JYALA, CHIEF PROGRAMMING OFFICER, INOX LEISURE LTD
--------------------------------------------
National Cinema Day is being celebrated when the world is witnessing the rise of panIndia stories. How do you think the lines can be blurred further, moving on from the North vs South debate
Today, nothing is regional. It is all about bridging the gap instead of focusing on negative things. For instance, my Gujarati film is being appreciated overseas, and I have also sold rights to a Spanish theatre. Events like National Cinema Day can help further the idea. Going forward, it should be more about exchange of talent and content all across the country
- ANAND PANDIT, PRODUCER