Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit recently shared her insights on the shifting dynamics of moviegoing, emphasizing how rising cinema ticket prices are affecting theatre attendance.
Rising Ticket Prices Impact Choices
In a candid conversation, the ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ star highlighted that while quality films still attract audiences, the escalating cost of tickets is leading families to be more discerning about their cinema choices. This is especially true given the ease of access provided by OTT platforms at home. Madhuri noted that movies are readily available for viewing after a long day at work, making it convenient for many.
Changing Viewing Habits
Madhuri, now 58, explained that for most people, evenings after work are often late, which limits their opportunities to visit theatres. As a result, weekends have become the primary time for families to enjoy films on the big screen.
She stated, “If the film is good, it will run, and you have seen a few films running now in the theatres. So, it’s not as if films are not running. I think if you go to see that even the cost of the tickets is very high. So, when one family goes there, they have to spend a lot of money. So, they really have to budget and think, which film to watch and which not to watch.”
The Convenience of OTT
Madhuri further elaborated on the convenience of OTT platforms, saying, “Also, because of OTT, you know movies are at your fingertips. You’re watching it at home whenever you want, when you get the time. Nowadays, even coming from work for people, by the time they get home, it is 8.30, 9.00. After that, going to watch a film has become a little difficult. Weekends is the time when they can actually go when they have vacations.”
She continued, “So, all these things and they can, on OTT, you can watch the film anytime you want at your convenience and I guess it’s cheaper to watch a film at home. You can have all the popcorn and everything, you know, made at home and enjoy it. So, a lot of reasons. But I don’t think, I don’t see a bleak future. I just think some things could be corrected and, you know, make the cinema experience better for the people.”