Celebrating National Cinema Day in 2023 will be an absolute treat for movie enthusiasts. On the 13th of October, a cinematic extravaganza awaits as ticket prices are dropping to an astonishingly low Rs. 99 per entry all across the country. This incredible offer is a nod to the remarkable box office triumphs of 2023 and aims to rekindle the magic of watching movies in theaters.
Over 4,000 participating cinema halls will join in the celebration, including renowned chains such as PVR Inox, Cinepolis, Movie Time, City Pride, and more. While the official websites are yet to be updated with details, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has hinted at additional offers on food and beverages that will sweeten the deal.
MAI expressed their excitement in a prepared statement, saying, "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."
Last year, National Cinema Day made headlines globally for its ticket price reduction, but in India, it won't cover premium formats like IMAX or 4DX, and recliner seats are also excluded. Additionally, the ticket cost has slightly increased from the Rs. 75 of the previous year, which drew 6.5 million moviegoers to early morning shows.
This year's event was postponed by a month, possibly to ensure that the release of Jawan, led by Shah Rukh Khan, doesn't face any challenges due to the reduced ticket prices. A similar delay occurred last year to safeguard the profits of BrahmÄstra. Currently, it's uncertain whether the Rs. 99 ticket price includes internet fees and GST, which online ticketing platforms like BookMyShow might add on.
An official website has been set up for the event, showcasing glimpses of some of the year's biggest movies, although they predominantly focus on Hollywood productions. Nevertheless, Indian theaters will prioritize showcasing local content in various regional languages.
PVR Inox, India's largest cinema chain, experienced a significant revenue surge in July, thanks to the release of three Hollywood blockbusters: Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One. Meanwhile, Hindi-language films faced some challenges. This month, the release of Akshay Kumar's Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue on October 6 is expected to generate substantial interest in the second week. On the Hollywood front, Saw X and The Creator are set to vie for dominance.
While the mentioned theater chains are yet to update their websites with event details, more information about this thrilling cinematic celebration will emerge closer to the date, promising an unforgettable experience for moviegoers nationwide.
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