Victory in sight for movie buffs

The Karnataka government said on Tuesday it would allow cinema-goers to carry outside food into multiplexes. Food and Civil Supplies Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan announced he would talk to officials and issue directions.

The decision comes in the wake of the Maharashtra government being questioned by the Bombay High Court why it could not regulate the prices of snacks inside multiplexes.

Movie buffs often complain they feel cheated by the snack prices inside multiplexes. Also, the security guards at the gates throw away any food patrons might want to carry inside the hall.

Maharashtra has said it would allow movie buffs to carry their own food into multiplexes.

Multiplex chains in Bengaluru said they were awaiting directions from the Multiplex Association of India.

Movie buffs are welcoming the government’s announcement.

Ankita C, software professional, hesitates to go to the multiplexes, as it sets her back by at least Rs 1,500. “Some movies are best watched at the multiplexes. I’m glad we can soon start taking our own food inside,” she says.

Movie-goer Michael Mathew, programme manager, is also thrilled. “I would have been happy to pay for snacks at the multiplexes if they were priced right,” he says. “I just hope people don’t bring food that stinks up the place.”

Case in Bombay High Court
Aditya Pratap, lawyer fighting the case against multiplexes, says, “We’re happy the Maharashtra government has made the announcement in the Assembly but we are waiting for a formal policy to be announced by July 25.”
The Bombay High Court is hearing the case again on that day. The petition is not demanding any action against the food counters at the multiplexes, as the Multiplex Association of
India might then cite their right to do business and counter it. With outside food being allowed in, the multiplexes will have to price their snacks more reasonably, he avers. “They can’t now argue they will suffer job and revenue losses,”

Pratap told Metrolife on Wednesday. He was speaking over the phone from Mumbai. The petition is fighting for the choice to take food in, and not for lower multiplex snack pricing.

OMG!
Popcorn at the Bengaluru multiplexes is priced at between Rs 370 and Rs 380 a tub, Metrolife had reported earlier this month.