27 October,2016 08:40 AM IST | | Sonil Dedhia
Fireworks at the box-office are expected as Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' locks horns with Ajay Devgn's 'Shivaay' tomorrow, and the exorbitant ticket rates for the Diwali releases are certain to burn a hole in moviegoers' pockets
'Shivaay' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'
'Shivaay' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'
Fireworks at the box-office are expected as Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' locks horns with Ajay Devgn's 'Shivaay' tomorrow, and the exorbitant ticket rates for the Diwali releases are certain to burn a hole in moviegoers' pockets. True that prices shoot up during the festive season, but this year, it has reached crazy limits.
Tickets normally sold in the range of Rs 150-500 have shot up by nearly 30 per cent. The rates for a night show (10.15 pm) are as steep as Rs 800 while morning show tickets (8.30 am /9.30 am) are priced at Rs 400-450. Online advance booking, which opened on Monday, has received an overwhelming response, too, with some shows completely sold out.
Trade analyst Komal Nahta says, "The festive mood has clearly set in. Since many companies offer bonuses or monetary incentives during Diwali, people hardly mind splurging on family outings - invariably, watching a movie. The makers of both films are cashing in on this. Plus, the films star big names and that attracts a lot of audience."
Online booking pages for 'Shivaay' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'
An employee of a popular cinema chain reveals, on the condition of anonymity, "This year, the hike in ticket prices is more than what it was in the previous years. But, it's clear that moviegoers are willing to spend so much money."
However, Devang Sampat, business head of Cinepolis, says, "If you compare the prices with last year, the increase is only five per cent. The blockbuster ticket pricing is kept in mind considering it's the festive season."
