₹2,000 FOR A COOLIE TICKET: BENGALUREANS SHOCKED AT EXORBITANT RATES FOR RAJINIKANTH’S FILM
Ticket Prices Trigger Outrage in Bengaluru
The release of Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated film Coolie has reignited debates over soaring movie ticket prices in Bengaluru. Despite a Karnataka government draft notification to cap movie tickets at ₹200, many single-screen theatres and premium cinemas have listed ticket prices as high as ₹2,000 for premium Gold Recliner seats during early morning shows. Other premium tiers sell between ₹1,000 to ₹1,500, while average tickets hover between ₹400 to ₹500.
Fans who eagerly booked tickets upon advance release on August 9, 2025, expressed shock at the exorbitant rates, with social media users criticizing the stark contrast with Tamil Nadu, where the same film’s tickets are capped at ₹200 even in multiplexes.
Background: Karnataka’s Attempts to Cap Ticket Prices
The Karnataka government has issued a draft notification proposing to cap movie tickets across all theatres at ₹200, including multiplexes, as announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the 2025 state budget. This measure aims to make cinema more affordable and accessible. However, the notification is yet to be implemented officially, allowing theatres to continue charging premium rates, especially for high-demand releases like Coolie.
Past attempts in 2017 to impose such price caps were legally challenged and withdrawn, reflecting strong opposition from theatre owners who rely on flexible pricing models for financial viability.
The Premium Pricing Landscape for Coolie
Swagath Shankar Nag (M.G. Road): Gold Recliner seats priced at ₹2,000 for 6 am and 7 am shows, Gold seats at ₹1,500, and Silver/Lounge seats at ₹1,000.
Lakshmi Cinema (Taverekere): Diamond class tickets at ₹1,000 and Gold tickets at ₹800.
Most early shows in the city command tickets priced between ₹400 and ₹500.
Similar price hikes are expected to spread across more single-screen theatres.
Public Reaction and Industry Implications
The steep pricing has sparked outrage among Bengaluru’s cinema audience, who compare their experience unfavorably with neighbouring Tamil Nadu’s regulated prices. The inflated rates raise concerns about equitable access to entertainment and threaten to alienate local moviegoers.
Industry analysts view this tension as a significant challenge for Karnataka’s cinema sector, balancing the economics of film exhibition with public affordability demands.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: Why are some tickets for Rajinikanth's Coolie priced at ₹2,000 in Bengaluru?
Premium seats like Gold Recliners in certain theatres are priced at ₹2,000 due to high demand and the absence of an official ticket price cap yet.
Q2: Has Karnataka government taken any steps to regulate movie ticket prices?
Yes, a draft notification proposes capping tickets at ₹200 in all theatres, but it is pending official implementation.
Q3: How do ticket prices for Coolie in Bengaluru compare to Tamil Nadu?
Ticket prices in Tamil Nadu are capped at ₹200, whereas Bengaluru cinemas charge much higher rates, especially for premium seats.
Q4: Are these premium prices common for blockbuster releases?
Yes, blockbuster movies often see higher ticket rates in premium formats like Gold or Recliners, though prices in Bengaluru appear exceptionally steep.
Q5: What types of seats are available and their costs for Coolie in Bengaluru?
Seats range from Silver/Lounge at around ₹1,000 to Gold seats at ₹1,500 and Gold Recliner seats priced up to ₹2,000 during early shows.
Q6: What is the public’s reaction to these prices?
Many moviegoers are shocked and dissatisfied, voicing concerns over affordability and fairness.
Published on: August 10, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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