Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 6: Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai has raised serious concerns about the growing number of empty cinema halls in India, which he attributes to the high cost of movie tickets. Taking to social media, Ghai shared a picture of an almost empty theater and questioned the sustainability of the cinema industry in the current climate.
In his post, the filmmaker, known for his iconic films like Karz, Pardes, Vishwanath, Saudagar, and Khalnayak, wrote, “Why is Bollywood bleeding today? Because of the heavy cost to watch a film in cinema halls. Cinema lovers have stopped going to theatres to experience a collective movie-watching experience on the big screen.”
Ghai further proposed a solution to the problem, suggesting that Bollywood, along with state governments, should implement a rule to cap 30% of cinema hall tickets at affordable prices, similar to the ‘economy class’ ticket pricing in Tamil Nadu. He added, “The only solution… If Bollywood, along with state governments, formulate a rule to cap 30 percent of cinema hall tickets at affordable prices, akin to the ‘economy class’ tickets in Tamil Nadu, then perhaps more viewers will return. This is a big question today.”
His comments have struck a chord with many, especially as the industry grapples with changing audience behavior, with more people opting for streaming platforms due to their convenience and affordability. The high cost of tickets, particularly in major metropolitan areas, has been identified as a significant barrier to traditional cinema-goers.
Ghai’s call for capping ticket prices has gained attention, particularly in light of similar measures in Tamil Nadu, where a percentage of cinema tickets are sold at subsidized rates to make movies more accessible.
The director, who celebrated his 80th birthday in January, also has a strong legacy in film education. He recently marked the milestone with a special event at Whistling Woods International Film School, where he shared insights on the distinctions between learning acting and learning direction. During the convocation ceremony, Ghai and writer Javed Akhtar conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards to Akhtar and actor Pankaj Kapur for their contributions to Indian cinema.
Reflecting on the nature of filmmaking, Ghai explained that learning direction is more about growth and vision, as opposed to acting, which is a craft. “No director has got a break before 8-10 years. It is because, as a director, you need to first understand your vision and narrative,” he said. He also emphasized the crucial role of writers and directors in filmmaking, stating, “Writers and directors are the architects, while others are craftsmen. It’s not a technical craft; it’s a creative craft.”