Other Producers Too Should Try This Pop Corn Formula!

It goes without saying that apart from the OTT impact, high ticket prices and expensive popcorn have affected footfalls in theatres. Many producers have openly acknowledged this in interviews and press meets.

However, meaningful corrective steps have been limited so far. In contrast, ETV Win is taking an experimental and audience friendly approach toward ticket and F and B pricing.

Earlier, they introduced 99 rupee tickets for their theatrical releases. Now, for their March 6 release Sampradhayani Suppini Suddhapoosani starring Shivaji, they are making a fresh attempt to attract family audiences.

They have rolled out a combo offer of 499 rupees for four tickets along with a large popcorn in single screens. The same offer is available in multiplexes for 799 rupees.

This is a thoughtful initiative that makes a theatre outing more affordable for families, while also adding value with refreshments included.

It is encouraging to see at least a few players trying new models around pricing. While popcorn pricing is often said to be under the exhibitors’ control, collaborative efforts like this show that practical solutions are possible when there is intent.

Interestingly, when ETV Win earlier offered 99 rupee tickets for Raju Weds Rambhai, another film Premante starring Priyadarshi released on the same day at regular prices. Industry buzz suggested that there were concerns about the discounted pricing affecting footfalls for the other release.

In some cases, there were even situations where full exhibitor prices had to be paid while tickets were offered to audiences at discounted rates.

All said and done, experiments like these open up a constructive conversation. A gradual shift toward dynamic pricing and smarter F and B strategies could help improve footfalls, especially for small and medium budget films, while making cinema a more inclusive experience for families.