‘How much did you get your ticket for?’ That has been the question among Ranveer Singh fans as Dhurandhar: The Revenge opened its advance booking on March 7. Ticket prices for paid previews and weekend shows have hit a high — in Mumbai, the prices at multiplexes start from Rs 400, going up to a whopping Rs 2600!

Industry insiders say that the demand for the film’s paid preview has pushed multiplexes to aggressively price their premium formats, especially those offering recliner seats or IMAX format. “Such shows are priced between Rs 2200 and Rs 2500 in the Inox outlets of Borivali, Malad, and Nariman Point,” said a source from Inox. Meanwhile, the Luxe show of PVR Icon in Lower Parel has taken it a notch higher to Rs 2600.

However, the strategy has been different for single-screen theatres across the country. According to exhibitors, filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s studio has requested affordable pricing.

A source from Seble Cinemas in Delhi told mid-day, “Single screens have been asked to maintain accessible pricing so the core audience isn’t alienated. Morning shows are being sold at around Rs 220, while late-night shows are capped at roughly Rs 300 depending on the theatre.”

Several single-screen owners in Mumbai confirmed that Rs 220 is the standard fare. Manoj Desai, executive director, Gaiety Galaxy and Maratha Mandir, shared, “Multiplex audiences are willing to pay more, while single screens rely on volume. This approach allows the film to capitalize on demand in big cities without alienating its core audience in smaller centres.”

Inox sources suggest that from March 19, tickets for certain shows will be priced at Rs 3100 and Rs 3500 respectively for top Mumbai and Delhi theatres.

Trade Analyst Girish Wankhede told mid-day, “Such steep rates were expected. Given the film’s hype, the high-end tickets will be priced between Rs 3000 and Rs 3500. This will continue till the opening weekend.”