00:00A small popcorn, 500 rupees. Add cheese, it becomes 700 rupees.
00:04A cold drink that costs 40 rupees outside is 400 rupees here.
00:08And water, 100 rupees a bottle.
00:10A simple movie outing, once a pocket-friendly escape, now feels like a luxury.
00:14Now, even the Supreme Court has had enough.
00:17On November 3rd, the top court criticized multiplexes over sky-high food and ticket prices.
00:22Warning, if this continues, cinema halls will soon go empty.
00:25The remarks came during a hearing of the case.
00:27Multiplex Association of India vs. Karnataka State Film Chamber of Commerce.
00:32The case challenges the Karnataka government's move to cap movie ticket prices at 200 rupees.
00:37Justice Vikram Nath didn't mince words and said,
00:40You charge 100 rupees for a water bottle, 700 rupees for coffee.
00:44These rates should be fixed.
00:46The bench warned that cinema is already declining.
00:49And if experience remains this costly, audiences will stay home and stream.
00:53Karnataka's move to make movies more affordable was challenged by multiplex owners.
00:58Their argument, you can't fix prices.
01:00It's a matter of choice.
01:01The tach charges 1,000 rupees for coffee too.
01:04But the court pushed back and said,
01:06There are no normal cinemas left.
01:07Multiplexes can't overcharge just because they can.
01:10And honestly, most moviegoers agree.
01:12A 2023 CIIS survey found that an average outing costs 1,800 rupees per person.
01:23Keeping middle class families away,
01:24Trade analysts say multiplexes are killing the cinema habit with obnoxious pricing.
01:29With OTTs booming and theatre footfalls falling,
01:32The Supreme Court's message is clear.
01:34Make it affordable or make peace with empty seats.
01:36What are your thoughts?
01:37Loan.
01:40Loan.
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