Dispute Erupts Over Cinema Costs: MAI vs Karan Johar

The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has disputed claims made by producer Karan Johar about the high cost of cinema visits. Johar stated that the average cost for a family of four could be Rs 10,000, while MAI countered that the actual expense is Rs 1,560, emphasizing that movie demand is driven by content and appeal, not pricing.

The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has refuted claims from producer Karan Johar, who alleged that visiting the cinema has become an expensive affair, costing a family of four up to Rs 10,000. MAI President Kamal Gianchandani insisted that the true cost is significantly lower, around Rs 1,560.

Johar's comments, made during a roundtable interview, suggested that cinema exhibitors were responsible for high ticket and food costs. In response, Gianchandani highlighted that the average ticket price across Indian cinemas in 2023 was Rs 130, with the largest cinema chain, PVRINOX, reporting an average ticket price of Rs 258 and food and beverage expenditure per head at Rs 132.

Gianchandani argued that the movie-going experience's value is more about content and appeal rather than pricing alone. He added that the cinema industry's pricing involves multiple stakeholders and is influenced by market forces and inflation. Therefore, any adjustments would be made naturally based on demand and supply dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)