National Cinema Day has been postponed. The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has shifted the festival by a week from its opening date of 16 September. The event will now take place in Indian cinemas on September 23, slashing movie ticket prices to Rs. 75, for the day.
The one-day discount will be available at over 4,000 participating theaters, encouraging movie lovers to spend a day at the movies. This offer is applicable to all major theaters, such as PVR, INOX, Cinepolis, and others – with an updated banner that reflects the said price.
As far as the change in date is concerned, MAI notes that “various stakeholders” requested delays in order to maximize participation. The body did not specifically mention the reason, but reports indicate that it is related to the release of Brahmastra, which is currently going strong in the first week, collecting Rs. 225 crore worldwide.
National Cinema Day Postponed to 23rd September
“Brahmastra starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt is currently the flagship film and is doing very well. It was strong on Monday as well, which proves that it will do strong business in the second weekend as well,” a source told Bollywood Hungama. “Disney, who released the film, therefore requested the Multiplex Association to extend the celebrations by a week.”
National Cinema Day is an entirely new event, created as a “thank you” to moviegoers who keep the theater business going. The event first debuted in the US and UK on September 3 with theaters such as AMC and Cinemark slashing ticket prices to $3 (approximately Rs 240).
Indian theaters will join the celebrations next weekend, with major theaters updating their websites with a new boilerplate. However, PVR Cinemas notes that Rs. 75 Offer will not be applicable on premium category seats, such as recliner or IMAX format screens.
The rule only applies to cinemas in India, as the official website for National Cinema Day – which is US-oriented – detailed that all seats will be priced the same, regardless of format or language.
He said Rs. 75 price tag does not include additional taxes or fees that are levied on making purchases from third-party applications or websites online. For example, in India, BookMyShow is still liable to charge additional internet charges and GST above Rs. 75 price tag. If you are stingy about that extra amount, it is advisable to wait in line for your ticket.
As far as films are concerned, theaters will mostly focus on local fare, which includes titles from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and other Indian film industries. Hollywood movies currently playing can also be a part of the upcoming National Cinema Day celebrations.
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