High ticket prices continue to deter audiences from theaters, even amidst pleas from filmmakers and theater owners. National Cinema Day serves as a recent example of this issue, with ticket prices reduced to just 99 Rs. In Bangalore, the film MAD witnessed a surge in bookings, underscoring the impact of high prices.
To attract a wider audience, small and medium-budget filmmakers should contemplate lower ticket costs. Currently, many films employ uniform ticket pricing, irrespective of their budget or buzz. Surprisingly, even small films opt for a 200 Rs ticket price, resulting in poor openings and weekend performances.
Filmmakers should explore flexible ticket pricing that adjusts based on a film’s word of mouth and buzz. Lower prices on weekdays can bolster occupancy, while rates can be increased in response to demand.
On October 13th, 2023, India will celebrate National Cinema Day, offering movie enthusiasts the chance to watch films for as low as 99 Rs, excluding premium formats. The MAI introduced National Cinema Day in 2022, which attracted over 6.5 million patrons, marking a successful reopening of movie theaters.
