Chandigarh to introduce flexi cinema ticket pricing from April; prices may go up or down
Under the proposed flexi ticket policy, cinema halls will be allowed to increase or reduce ticket prices based on the demand for a film and audience turnout
PTC Web Desk: Buying a movie ticket in Chandigarh may soon become cheaper or costlier depending on demand, as the UT Administration is set to introduce a flexible cinema ticket pricing policy from April.
Under the proposed flexi ticket policy, cinema halls will be allowed to increase or reduce ticket prices based on the demand for a film and audience turnout. While this system is already in place in Mohali and Panchkula, it will be implemented in Chandigarh for the first time.
According to officials, the administration has prepared a new policy on cinema ticket rates and has sought suggestions from the Excise Department. The Home Secretary has also asked for clarifications on certain aspects of the policy. Officials said the policy will be rolled out after completing all formalities.
The Estate Department said the introduction of flexi pricing in Chandigarh is expected to benefit both moviegoers and the administration, as it could lead to higher ticket sales and increased revenue.
Currently, cinema hall operators in Chandigarh are allowed to revise ticket prices only twice a year. This restriction will be removed once the new policy comes into effect. Theatre owners will be able to decide ticket prices based on film demand, footfall, and weekdays or weekends.
Cinema operators said that footfall remains low on weekdays, making it necessary to reduce ticket prices to attract viewers, something that was not possible under the earlier rules.
Officials said ticket prices currently remain almost the same on weekends and weekdays. With the removal of price caps under the flexi policy, higher demand films may see increased prices, while less popular shows may be offered at lower rates.
The administration receives 18 per cent GST on every cinema ticket, and officials believe that higher footfall and ticket sales will ultimately boost revenue.
The new system will work on a model similar to airlines and Shatabdi trains, where fares fluctuate based on demand. At present, ticket prices remain largely uniform across films, but under the new policy, rates can vary depending on a movie’s popularity and audience demand.