On Friday, October 13, or National Cinema Day, is observed throughout India. The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) and cinemas throughout India have announced that tickets will be available for as little as Rs 99. The Multiplexes have had a fantastic year thus far, and the new project recognises this by making moviegoing more accessible.
Why We Celebrate National Cinema Day?
The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) first proposed National Cinema Day in 2022. The MAI established National Cinema Day to mark the reopening of movie theatres following the Covid-19 pandemic. On this day, the group decided to offer considerable discounts on movie tickets, urging spectators to support cinema owners who incurred massive losses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Another important reason to observe National Cinema Day is to combat the competition created by the rise of OTT platforms, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s an attempt by movie theatre owners to reignite the magic of the big screen and celebrate the success of recent blockbuster films like Jawan, Gadar 2, and OMG 2, which have played a key part in bringing crowds back to the theatres.
What Is MAI?
The MAI was founded in 2002 by leading cinema operators under the auspices of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). MAI represents over 11 theatre chains with over 500 multiplexes and over 2500 screens across the country. MAI accounts for nearly 75% of the multiplex sector in India.
It is also an effort to encourage more people to view films in cinemas. According to the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), around 4,000 cinema halls have confirmed their participation in the event.
PVR, INOX, Cinepolis, and Movie Time will all participate in National Cinema Day 2023. Everyone should be aware that on Friday, October 13, cinema tickets will be available at Rs 99 to commemorate National Cinema Day.
How To Book Tickets At 99 On National Cinema Day?
Those interested in taking advantage of the National Cinema Day promotion can begin reserving tickets online using well-known platforms like as BookMyShow, PayTM, and official cinema chain websites by first picking a location, then your desired movie, and the October 13 date.
While the deal does not apply to premium formats like as IMAX, 4DX, or even reclining seats, the objective is for every film to be priced the same regardless of time of day. However, the Rs. 99 price does not include any additional costs (convenience fee + GST) imposed on ticket purchases. The convenience fee, however, does not apply to tickets purchased in person at the cinema’s counter.
Making profits from National cinema day?
However, at the time of writing, only Bollywood films — particularly, Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and Akshay Kumar’s Mission Raniganj — had the ability to choose the requisite date. This might be done to benefit Indian box office revenues, which isn’t surprising given that some industry stakeholders apparently went to great lengths last year to get National Cinema Day postponed in order for Brahmstra to make a profit.
Cities Which Are Not Availing This Offer
PVR Inox stated in a tweet that, despite the initial announcement, the National Cinema Day incentives may only be accessible in a few cities. Due to state rules, it looks that theatres in South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh will be unable to sell tickets for Rs. 99. Last year, we witnessed a similar exclusion. On October 13, food and beverages are also set to begin at a discounted rate of Rs. 99.
What Is Box Office?
Box office India gives information on domestic and international box office collections for Hindi films. This website regularly updates box office reports with a territorial breakdown of domestic figures, top earnings by decade, and all-time records.
MAI’s Statement In A Tweet
“This special occasion brings audiences of all ages together for a day of cinematic bliss, celebrating the incredible success of multiple films at the box office this year. It’s a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the moviegoers who contributed to this success and an open invitation to those who haven’t returned to their local cinema.” said by MAI in a statement in September.
While netizens applaud the plan, some have suggested that ticket costs be reduced to encourage people to attend films in theaters. They stated as follows:
“Doesn’t this sound good that we can watch all the movies at just Rs. 99? It feels so good to see how much our audience love Indian Cinema and Big screens. Let’s celebrate this day!!!”
National Cinema Day will take place across more than 4,000 participating screens this year, building on the spectacular success of last year’s event, which attracted the highest record single day attendance of 6.5 million.
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By, Palak Sharma