Karan Johar and Zoya Akhtar Address the Growing Costs of Cinema Outings in India
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, renowned filmmakers Karan Johar and Zoya Akhtar voiced their concerns over the rising costs associated with watching films in movie theatres. They highlighted the financial pressures faced by families who, despite their love for cinema, are finding it increasingly difficult to enjoy a trip to the movies due to exorbitant ticket prices and food costs. The discussion has ignited conversations about the accessibility of cinema, particularly in an era where streaming platforms provide a cheaper and more convenient alternative.
Cinema Outings: A Luxury for Many
Karan Johar, a household name in Indian cinema, pointed out how the increasing cost of a movie outing has become an economic burden for many families. “A family of four has to shell out Rs 10,000 on one movie outing,” he said, underscoring the steep rise in expenses when factoring in tickets, snacks, and beverages. The filmmaker explained that this is not an isolated expense for many households and could disrupt a family’s financial planning, making regular trips to the movies a rare luxury.
Johar cited an insightful survey, which revealed that out of 100 homes surveyed, 90 households stated that they only watch two films in theatres annually. “This is of an income group that is a massive part of our audience base. They can’t afford it,” Johar remarked. He further elaborated on the situation, adding that families typically reserve their cinema outings for special occasions like Diwali or when there is buzz around a much-anticipated film like STREE 2.
However, even during these limited outings, families face difficult choices. “They don’t like to go to cinema halls because when kids ask for popcorn or something to eat, they feel bad denying them. So they would rather go to a restaurant, where they’re not paying for the ticket; they’re paying only for the food,” Karan Johar explained, emphasizing how the high cost of snacks in theatres can be a deterrent. “Our child will point and say he wants caramel popcorn, but we can’t afford it,” he recalled from the survey responses, highlighting a sentiment many parents share.
Zoya Akhtar: Cinema Should Be Accessible to All
Zoya Akhtar, known for her films that resonate with everyday people, expressed similar concerns about how the rising costs are alienating audiences. “People can’t afford to go to the cinema. They want to go to the cinema. If you’re going to go twice, you’re going to choose which films you want to see,” Zoya remarked, shedding light on how cinema, traditionally considered a form of affordable entertainment, has become an expensive outing for families.
She emphasized that even for critically acclaimed films such as Laapataa Ladies, which she mentioned in the context of affordability, many families would find it hard to justify the cost. “Even if I want to go see Laapataa Ladies, maybe I can’t afford to,” she explained, pointing to the paradox where good films might still be out of reach for large sections of the audience due to economic constraints.
Exorbitant Ticket Prices: A Growing Concern
The financial strain on families has only been exacerbated by the rising cost of movie tickets, especially for blockbuster films. In 2023, tickets for Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan were being sold for as high as Rs 2,400 on the ticket aggregator website BookMyShow. Similarly, tickets for Christopher Nolan’s much-anticipated film Oppenheimer were sold for up to Rs 2,450, raising eyebrows and sparking debates on the growing inaccessibility of the cinema-going experience for average families.
Karan Johar and Akhtar’s concerns are reflective of a broader issue in the Indian film industry—whether cinema can continue to be a mass medium if it becomes a luxury product. With multiplex chains charging premium prices for blockbuster films, the traditional experience of enjoying films with family and friends in theatres is increasingly being replaced by alternatives like streaming platforms.
Multiplex Chains and Their Pricing Strategy
One of the significant factors behind this surge in prices is the multiplex chains’ strategy to capitalize on big releases, charging higher rates during peak demand. Additionally, the cost of food and beverages in theatres has been a longstanding point of contention. Patrons often find themselves paying inflated prices for snacks like popcorn, nachos, and soft drinks, adding significantly to the total expense of a movie outing.
Karan Johar criticized this practice, terming the food prices in cinemas as “crazy.” Many families, already grappling with the high cost of tickets, are further dissuaded from visiting theatres because of the additional burden of overpriced snacks.
The Changing Face of Cinema Consumption
As the cost of watching films in theatres continues to rise, many families are turning to more affordable alternatives. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar have gained immense popularity in recent years, offering viewers a vast selection of films and shows at a fraction of the cost of a theatre outing. This shift has been accelerated by the pandemic, during which theatres were closed for extended periods, and audiences grew accustomed to the convenience of watching films at home.
Despite this, the cinema-going experience remains irreplaceable for many. The magic of watching a film on the big screen, surrounded by a communal audience, is something that streaming platforms cannot replicate. However, for this experience to remain accessible, industry leaders will need to address the issue of affordability.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
As Karan Johar and Zoya Akhtar’s discussion highlighted, the rising cost of cinema outings is a significant concern for the industry. If movie theatres are to remain a central part of the cinematic experience, there needs to be a concerted effort to make them more affordable for the average family. With premium pricing becoming the norm, it’s essential to strike a balance that allows both audiences and theatre owners to benefit without alienating large sections of the population.
Ultimately, cinema should remain an accessible form of entertainment that brings people together, regardless of their financial standing. The voices of filmmakers like Karan Johar and Akhtar are essential in sparking conversations about the future of movie-going in India and ensuring that this beloved tradition remains a part of everyday life for families across the country.