Budget 2026 Hopes Rise As Movie Tickets Hurt Pockets

Movie lovers want one clear thing from Budget 2026, some relief. Ticket prices have jumped hard. Box office money is growing, but fewer people are watching films in halls. The industry is earning more, audiences are paying more, and cinema halls are still worried.

In 2025, movie tickets became about 20 percent costlier than 2024. This single change flipped everything. Films earned more money even though fewer people bought tickets. Viewers felt the pressure first. Cinema owners felt it next.

High Prices Changed The Game

Ticket prices quietly became the main reason for higher box office numbers. The average ticket price moved from around 134 rupees in 2024 to about 161 rupees in 2025. That looks small, but it hits families hard. A simple movie night now feels expensive.

Because of this, around five crore fewer people went to cinemas in 2025 compared to the previous year. Still, total collections crossed 13,000 crore rupees. More money, fewer faces, that is the strange balance right now.

Why Box Office Looks Strong On Paper

Big films helped the numbers. Movies like Dhurandhar, Chhaava, and Saiyaara pulled crowds, but mostly in premium formats. High ticket rates did the real work. Collections grew not because India watched more movies, but because each ticket cost more.

Reports show that in 2024, about 88 crore people visited cinemas. In 2025, that number fell to nearly 83 crore. Revenue, however, jumped by over 2,000 crore rupees. This gap is what worries theatre owners the most.

Audience Budget Already Disturbed

For regular viewers, movies are no longer a casual plan. Snacks, parking, and tickets together drain money fast. Many families now wait for OTT releases instead. That habit is growing quietly.

Before COVID, cinema footfall touched nearly 146 crore people. By 2024, it fell close to 86 crore. In 2025, it dropped further. Ticket prices moved in the opposite direction, rising steadily without pause.

Why Cinema Halls Are Still Struggling

Cinema owners say the headlines ignore their side. A big share of box office money goes to producers and distributors. Operating costs keep rising. Electricity, rent, staff, everything costs more now.

Because of inflation, ticket prices were increased. Owners say they had no real choice. They believe government support could help balance this gap. Lower taxes could bring viewers back slowly.

GST Becomes The Big Hope

Cinema tickets above a certain price attract 18 percent GST. Industry voices want this lowered. Many suggest a flat 5 percent GST on tickets up to 300 rupees. This one change could reduce ticket prices directly.

Recent GST reforms helped many sectors, but cinema tickets were left untouched. That hurt morale inside the exhibition business. Budget 2026 is seen as the moment where things can improve.

What Budget 2026 May Decide

Reports suggest the government wants to maintain fiscal discipline. Still, sectors linked to culture and employment may get attention. Cinema creates jobs, supports tourism, and drives local spending.

Nearly 40 percent of market watchers feel entertainment could benefit if GST is revised. Even a small cut could improve footfall. More people inside halls matters more than just high collection numbers.

The Road Ahead For Indian Cinema

The future depends on balance. Affordable tickets, steady footfall, and reasonable profits. If Budget 2026 reduces GST, audiences may return faster. Cinema halls could breathe easier.

For now, hopes are high. Movie lovers, exhibitors, and producers all look toward one announcement. Whether movies become affordable again or remain a luxury, Budget 2026 will decide that mood.