Thiruvananthapuram: Mayor V V Rajesh on Saturday alleged that some cinema theatres in the city were not only charging exorbitant prices for food items but were also imposing additional charges on tickets during peak periods.Speaking to the media, Rajesh cited the experience of a family that had gone to a mall in the city to watch a movie. The family had paid Rs 6,048.94 online for seven tickets, but when they reached the theatre, they were given seats corresponding to tickets priced at only Rs 230 each.When the family questioned the discrepancy, they were allegedly given a cold shoulder treatment. The family ultimately had to watch the movie from seats in the front rows, Rajesh said.The mayor said he was raising the issue after receiving information about the family’s experience. He said a prominent film producer had recently called him and pointed out that a person buying a Rs 200 movie ticket could end up having to buy popcorn worth Rs 500.The issue of exorbitant food and water prices at multiplexes and theatres had triggered public discussions in the state. The mayor’s concerns come amid wider calls in the state for regulation of the exorbitant prices.Rajesh earlier pointed out that popcorn available outside for around Rs 25-30 could cost Rs 250-300 inside a theatre, while tea could be priced around Rs 200.“It’s the public that sustains the film industry,” Rajesh said, stressing that stakeholders should reach a consensus before administrative or legal intervention becomes necessary.The corporation will convene a meeting of theatre owners within its limits to discuss issues, including parking facilities, cleanliness, safety and waste management. The corporation issues licences to theatres and the concerns of the public will be raised during the discussions, Rajesh said.Govt cannot stay away from the issue citing legal limitations, he said. He expressed hope that govt would take appropriate steps.
