Even while recent bollywood blockbusters have surpassed ₹500–600 crore in domestic gross revenues, the number of attendance is still much lower than that of classic blockbusters from the 1990s and 2000s. Trade analysts claim that high ticket prices have a greater financial impact on contemporary movies than actual moviegoer attendance. For example, Jawan and Gadar 2 both have about 3.5 crore foot traffic, although stree 2 recently surpassed 3 crore. While Animal sold 2.9 crore tickets, Pathaan had 32 crore foot traffic.

Even kalki 2898 AD was unable to surpass the 3-crore threshold. On the other hand, with over 7.39 crore footfalls, classics like Hum Aapke Hain Koun continue to retain the record. Baahubali 2 comes in second with 5.25 crore, while Gadar: Ek prem Katha comes in third with 5.05 crore. This striking disparity draws attention to a consistent drop in foot traffic everywhere, including Hollywood. industry insiders note that a growing number of regular moviegoers have stopped attending cinemas due to escalating ticket prices.
 
Many people now find it more expensive to purchase tickets since indian multiplex businesses hike their costs by 10% to 15% a year. Foot traffic decreased by 8% in 2023 despite a record box office revenue of ₹12,226 crore, suggesting that the rise in revenue is mostly attributable to increased ticket prices—which are already 22% over pre-pandemic levels. According to industry analysts, viewers are becoming more picky about the theaters they visit because of the epidemic and the emergence of OTT services, which has created a desire for movies that provide a unique viewing experience.
 
Even while chains of multiplexes contend that reducing ticket prices won't always increase attendance, recent blockbusters have still been able to bring in sizable audiences. The fan base for classic films, according to theater owners, was larger, particularly at single-screen theaters—many of which have closed over time, resulting in a reduction in the total number of screens. On the other side, patrons on social media voice their annoyance at the outrageous pricing of simple snacks, emphasizing that middle-class families cannot afford to attend movies because of these expenses.
 
PVR-Inox is accused by critics of being to blame for a decline in moviegoer attendance, but producers blame high ticket costs, highlighting a gulf between the industry, theater operators, and patrons. pushpa 2 is expected to gross at least 4 crore tickets in India, while trade analysts believe SS Rajamouli's mahesh babu picture may gross up to 5 crore tickets.
 
 

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G GOWTHAM

16/10/2024 08:05 AM