Fri May 16 01:50:00 UTC 2025: **Bengaluru Theatres Face Existential Crisis Amidst Rising Costs and Streaming Competition**
**Bengaluru, May 16, 2025** – Cinema halls in India, particularly in Karnataka, are struggling to stay afloat as audiences increasingly opt for the convenience and affordability of streaming platforms. Rising ticket prices and exorbitant concession stand costs are also contributing to the decline in theatre attendance, echoing concerns raised by Bollywood figures and industry experts.
The situation is dire, with PVR Inox Ltd. shuttering 155 underperforming screens over the past two years. Single screens in Karnataka have also seen a significant drop, from 650 pre-pandemic to just 500 today.
Film buff Harish Mallya of Bengaluru notes the change: “I used to book seats in advance, but lately, I’ve been able to get tickets at the box office even for highly anticipated films.”
Aamir Khan, speaking at the recent World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, highlighted the disparity in screen numbers compared to other countries, “Only 2% of the nation’s population watches movies in theatres. We should be investing in more screens.”
The Karnataka government’s proposal to cap ticket prices at ₹200 aimed to provide relief to moviegoers, but faced legal challenges and remains in limbo. Multiplexes, known for their high prices, charge ₹700-₹800 for big films on opening weekends, reaching ₹1,500 in premium screens.
“Multiplexes are selling social status instead of promoting cinema,” says Rajaram of the Karnataka Film Exhibitors Federation.
While some, like KRG Studios, advocate for dynamic pricing based on film response, others point to the financial burden on families. Karan Johar recently stated, “Since a movie outing costs as much as ₹10,000, families do not spend that much on films.”
The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) countered, claiming the average expenditure for a family of four is closer to ₹1,560.
Despite initiatives like National Cinema Day with ₹99 tickets and movie passes, the affordability of OTT subscriptions continues to draw viewers away from theatres. The Supreme Court’s ruling allowing multiplexes to set their own terms, including banning outside food, has further exacerbated the issue, leaving consumers feeling exploited. The future of Indian cinema hinges on finding a balance between affordability, accessibility, and the unique cinematic experience that theatres offer.
First Piper 