Multiplex snacks pinch the pocket

Who doesn’t like to spend a few hours of pure entertainment watching characters at play on the big screen, while munching on buttered popcorn, nachos or a drink? However, thanks to the exorbitant prices, even a small bucket of popcorn and tapri-sized cup of coffee is bound to burn a hole in your pocket.

Unlike many who keep their complaints limited to their friends and look for alternatives to the silver screen, 39-year-old Jainendra Baxi decided to take matters into his own hands. Flummoxed at the high pricing at these movie theatres, and the fact that they do not allow outside food, the filmmaker filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in August last year before the Bombay high court.

He cited an individual’s right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, according to which carrying food and water anywhere should be a basic right — even if it’s in a movie theatre. It also claims that the job of security is to only check for the safety of people coming to halls, which doesn’t include snacks. Having looked at the PIL, the high court recently directed the Maharashtra government to file a reply to it.

 “Article 21 says that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty. And carrying food and water is a basic right,” says Jainendra.

With the sole aim to provide entertainment to all, Jainendra reasons that halls aren’t restaurants and hence one can’t be blocked from carrying food. “People go there to watch movies. The licence is for cinema, not to block people’s food,” he asserts.

Aditya Pratap, the lawyer through whom Jainendra filed the plea, says, “My client was aggrieved by the fact that multiplexes are not allowing people to carry food, especially when it comes to senior citizens,” explains Aditya

“According to the Maharashtra Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, hawking and selling food inside the halls is prohibited. However, the government has not incorporated any condition in the licences to stop halls from allowing people to carry food,” says Aditya, hinting that this is probably the loophole used by most multiplexes.

Comedian Karan Talwar calls this sheer robbery on the part of multiplexes as the consumers are left with no choice but to make a purchase. “It is ridiculous. I have stopped making any purchases at movie halls. Anyway, the food served isn’t of great quality,” he shrugs, adding, “These prices are the reason why a lot of people wait for the movie to appear on television. In a way, it is also encouraging piracy.”

For director Vivek Agnihotri, this is corporate extortion and the lack of cinema understanding on multiplexes’ part. A great movie buff, his family would see at least four movies a week, but have stopped the practice in recent times. “If one is to pay the same amount for popcorn on a small budget and a big banner movie, then what is the point? Even if the movie ticket is priced low, you still end up spending on food,” rues Vivek.

Calling it a notorious American trend picking up in India, Karan explains even the US still has the concept of the $1 theatre for those who cannot afford to pay that kind of money. “They are missing an opportunity by not setting up something similar in India. If PVR, INOX and other multiplexes continue to over-charge people, they will start looking for options,” he says.

However, comedian Anuvab Pal is of the opinion that since cinema halls are privately owned, the pricing is really up to them.

“They can charge what they want, it is the public that has to choose to go or not go. It is like deciding to whether to take your shoes out at someone’s place or not,” says Anuvab.

The petition, however, is up for hearing on January 25 with Aditya at the helm. The lawyer points out that the sale of beverages and food is more important to multiplexes, than the ticket sale. “In the petition, we have mentioned that when the state government is to give licence to the cinema halls, there should be additional conditions implicated on them. They will not prohibit people from getting their own food. Also, the call button from seats should be removed to stop waiters moving inside the hall. And there are some other additional conditions that we have suggested,” he concludes.

Prices quoted by multiplexes

• Two pieces of samosa: 60
• 200 ml colddrink: 150
• Chicken burger: 170
• Large nachos: 190

*Above mentioned are average prices