The ticket prices for Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer ‘Pathaan’ are likely to get cheaper by almost 25%. The makers want to ‘maintain the momentum’ as it will help attract more audience to the theatres.
Calling it a strategic move, trade analyst Atul Mohan told Mid-Day, ‘The [lower prices] will attract more audiences, including housewives and college students. Those who watched it earlier, can now watch it twice or thrice. This move will help in getting more footfall. If Pathaan earns Rs 20-25 crore per day, now on, it can earn Rs 400 crore by this weekend, and may well become the first Hindi movie to collect Rs 500 crore [in domestic market].’
He added that the 7 am and midnight shows too have been dropped as it will create more demand, and give some breathing space to the exhibitors.
Anil Chanchlani, owner of a multiplex and two single-screen theatres, told Mid-day that while the drop may not be uniform, this will bring them good sales at the ticket window.
‘Depending on the area, it ranges from 10 to 30 per cent,’ he said.
Jaipur-based exhibitor Abhimanyu Bansal says the move will combat the low footfall that is witnessed on weekdays. He said, ‘Over the weekend, the prices may be slightly raised again. Aditya Chopra has been successful in bringing the audiences back to the theatres.’
During a media and fan meeting in Mumbai on Monday, Shah Rukh Khan admitted that he was nervous about returning back to the big screen and facing the camera. He also thanked his fans for showing so much love and being supportive of the release despite all the roadblocks that came.
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