Tamil Nadu: Ticket prices in theaters set to increase after government's go-ahead to owners

In some bad news for moviegoers in Tamil Nadu, the government has permitted multiplexes and cinema halls across the state to increase the prices of tickets.

This measure was taken in response to a request by the owners of the theaters. The Tamil Nadu Theatre Association has been protesting for the long time asking the TN government to look into their demands.

As per the orders issued by Home (Cinema) Department, the government has decided to increase the base fare of ticket prices in multiplexes which have more than three screens and other facilities like air-conditioning, family entertainment and restaurant facilities, to Rs 150. 

The minimum price is at Rs 15.

However, there is no clarity on whether it includes all the taxes or not.

During the high level committee meeting, the representative from various associations from the cinema industry have represented that the film industry is facing a lot of difficulties due to video-piracy, increase in the expenses in running the theaters and film making and enhancement of entertainment tax from 20% to 30%.

They also argued that the GST over the ticket prices is eating away into their profits. The Tamil Film Producers’ Council had agreed to go on an indefinite strike since October 6 and not release any new films.

The breakdown proposed by the committee is as follows

Greater Chennai

Types of theaters                                                            Maximum                                           Minimum

Multiplex and AC Theaters                                          Rs 160                                                   Rs 50

Non-AC                                                                        Rs 120                                                   Rs 40

Other Than Chennai City

Types of theaters                                                            Maximum                                           Minimum

Multiplex and AC Theaters                                          Rs 140                                                   Rs 50

Non-AC                                                                        Rs 100                                                   Rs 30

Following the recommendations, the government decided to accept the recommendations of the high level committee regarding the revision of rates of admission to the cinema theaters in Tamil Nadu. The revised rates are as follows:

• To increase the ticket prices by 25% over the existing base price.
• To revise the existing rates of admission from Rs 7 to Rs 5 and Rs 4 to Rs 10 from Rs 10 to Rs 15.

The prices will come into effect from October 9. This is the first time prices are being revised since 2007.

However, since it is not clear if the prices are inclusive of the GST and local taxes, experts are afraid the prices might be a little too steep if taxes are added to this price.

Several films such as Dulquer Salman’s Solo and the Tamil film Vizhithiru were slated to release on October 6, but had to be pulled out of theaters due to the strike.