The Pricey Reality of Cinema in India: A Closer Look

Thu Oct 16 2025 11:23:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As ticket prices in Indian cinemas rise, opinions among audiences vary from concern to acceptance. Explore the nuanced perspectives on affordability, nostalgia, and the impact of streaming services on traditional cinema.

In recent years, movie ticket prices in India have surged by 47%, prompting discussions about the affordability and accessibility of cinema. While some viewers express frustration over escalating costs, others advocate for the value and experience offered by modern multiplexes. Industry experts suggest the ongoing competition from streaming platforms is reshaping audience dynamics, yet multiplex owners maintain optimistic attendance figures, asserting that cinema remains a vital cultural experience.

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, looks back 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. According to data, the average cost of a film ticket in India has risen by 47% over the past five years.

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, between 2023 and 2024, there was only a 3% rise in ATP, suggesting that prices have stabilized. Footfall in Indian cinemas has reduced by 6% in 2024 compared to 2023, continuing a trend in recent years.

Single-screen theaters that once offered cheaper tickets have been largely replaced by plush multi-screen cinemas with various amenities. Multiplex owners argue that ticket prices are reasonable and that audiences continue to visit in large numbers.

Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, executive director of multiplex chain PVR INOX Limited, states that the perception of decreased patronage is misleading. Despite some feedback about high ticket prices, audiences keep returning as they seek value for their money. The cinema experience, he argues, remains a unique attraction that home-viewing cannot replicate.

Experts suggest that while cheaper single-screen theaters appeal to a certain demographic, many urban middle-class audiences prefer multiplexes for their comfort and additional services. However, nostalgia for simpler cinema experiences remains prevalent among some patrons.

As streaming options have grown more affordable and accessible, especially post-pandemic, traditional cinemas face competition from home entertainment. Yet, with theater attendance reportedly increasing again, the debate surrounding cinema pricing and the future of film in India continue to evolve.

This balance between affordability for viewers and the financial viability of cinemas is crucial as industry stakeholders consider the best approaches to maintain audience engagement.