The exorbitant ticket prices at multiplexes often make it difficult for the common man to enjoy a day at the movies. However, the introduction of National Cinema Day on September 23, 2022, created a frenzy among moviegoers. On this special day, theaters across the country offered tickets for a mere Rs. 75, attracting a massive crowd. The second edition of National Cinema Day took place on October 13, 2023, with tickets priced at Rs. 99. In the midst of these celebrations, multiplex chains introduced Cinema Lovers Day on January 20, 2023.
Its second edition was celebrated earlier this year on February 23, resulting in a significant increase in theater attendance. Notably, it was on this day that the films Article 370 and Crakk were released, reaping the benefits of the occasion. The next Cinema Lovers Day was originally scheduled for 2025, but the exhibition industry has pleasantly surprised moviegoers by deciding to celebrate it once again this Friday, April 19.
As with previous editions, multiplexes will offer tickets for the nominal price of Rs. 99 on this special day. A source revealed, “The Multiplex Association of India will send out an email to all multiplex chains regarding this offer. Additionally, as in previous instances, many single screens, smaller chains, and standalone theaters will also participate in implementing the offer.” Miraj Cinemas already announced the offer on their social media platforms yesterday evening.
This move is expected to greatly benefit the films currently playing in cinemas, particularly the new releases. A trade source commented, “The major releases include Dibakar Banerjee’s bold thriller Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 and the romcom Do Aur Do Pyaar, starring Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D’Cruz, and Sendhil Ramamurthy. Both these films will gain a significant advantage. The semi-animated film Luv You Shankar and the Hollywood dystopian thriller Civil War, which are also new releases, will now attract a larger audience.”
The source further added, “The Eid releases, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan, haven’t performed well. However, viewers might turn up to watch these films for Rs. 99 on April 19. The other films that are still running, such as Madgaon Express, Crew, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, are already doing well, and this offer will further boost their ticket sales on Friday.”