Low-budget Tamil films might have reduced ticket prices in the future

The Tamil Film Active Producers Association have requested theatre owners through a letter to reduce movie ticket prices in the state in a major move to encourage audiences to return to theatres to watch films.

In the letter addressed to Tirupur Subramaniam, head of TN Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association,  secretary R Paneerselvam and Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors Association, they highlighted how since November 2023, the number of audiences coming to theatres to watch films has dwindled which has deeply affected producers. "It is worrisome that small and medium budget films, except for a few, have not been collecting revenue. This is not enough for both parties and it is our collective responsibility to ensure audiences come to theatres. Keeping this in mind, it is important that we bring in some necessary measures," they said, adding, "If it is the producers' responsibility to bring in good films along with the right publicity, it is the theatre owners' responsibility to break the mindset that watching movies in theatres are a costly affair."

Pointing out the trend of re-releasing certain hit films started by Kamala Cinemas which has set their cash registers ringing, they said that the lower ticket prices set by them have attracted audiences to return back to theatres. "Keeping this as an example, we request you to comply with the changes in ticket prices from February 23 onwards, as suggested by us," they announced, placing hope that this change would make audiences watch small-budget films in theatres.

As suggested by the committees, the ticket prices are requested to be modified as follows:

For small budget films (made in less than five crores budget and distributed in not more than 150 theatres across Tamil Nadu) - In Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai and Salem, the ticket prices should be not more than Rs 100 and in other places across the state, it should be Rs 80 + GST as applicable.

For medium to big budget films (made in more than Rs 5 crores budget) - In Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai and Salem, the ticket prices should be not more than Rs 150 and in other places across the state, it should be not more than Rs 120 + GST as applicable. 

Apart from the above ticket prices, they stated that government-approved prices should only be collected. If any producer gives a letter to not reduce the prices, then the theatres should comply with the same. If that is not the case, then the above-mentioned suggested prices should be collected for all films.

They further mentioned, "This decision taken by Producers Council, Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association and Film Exhibitors Association would create a positive impression among the audience and the number of people coming to theatres would increase."

"Hoping that a decision would be taken regarding our suggestion. Ahead of the general elections in May, there are expected to be only a lot of small-budget films to be released. After May, big-budget movies would hit the theatres. At this juncture, the good news of us reducing ticket prices should spread and encourage them to watch movies in theatres again," they concluded their statement.

When CE contacted Tirupur Subramaniam, he said the final decisions regarding the ticket prices would be discussed and announced after a consensus is arrived at the general body meeting arranged with the theatre owners on February 20.