Recent Bollywood blockbusters have achieved impressive domestic gross collections, surpassing ₹500-600 crore, yet the number of footfalls remains significantly lower than those of iconic blockbusters from the 1990s and 2000s.
According to trade experts, the financial success of the recent films is more closely tied to high ticket pricing than to the actual number of cinema-goers.
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For instance, Stree 2 recently crossed 3 crore footfalls, while Jawan and Gadar 2 have around 3.5 crore each. Pathaan had 32. crore footfalls while Animal sold 2.9 crore tickets. Kalki 2898 AD also failed to cross the 3-crore mark.
In contrast, classics like Hum Aapke Hain Koun still hold the record with over 7.39 crore footfalls, followed by Baahubali 2 at 5.25 crore and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha at 5.05 crore.
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This stark difference highlights a steady decline in footfalls worldwide, including in Hollywood.
Trade experts point out that rising ticket prices have driven many ordinary moviegoers away from theaters.
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In India, multiplex chains have raised ticket prices by 10-15% annually, making it less affordable for many.
Despite a record box office revenue of ₹12,226 crore in 2023, footfalls fell by 8% compared to 2019, indicating that the increase in revenue is largely due to higher ticket prices, which are now 22% above pre-pandemic levels.
Industry experts note that the pandemic and the rise of OTT platforms have made audiences more selective about their theater choices, leading to a demand for films that offer a distinctive viewing experience.
While multiplex chains argue that lowering ticket prices won’t necessarily drive attendance, recent blockbusters have still managed to draw considerable crowds.
Cinema owners emphasize that the audience base for classic films was more expansive, especially in single-screen theaters, many of which have closed over the years, reducing the overall number of screens.
On the other hand, on social media, audiences express frustration over exorbitant prices for basic snacks, with comments highlighting that such costs make it impractical for middle-class families to visit theaters.
Critics argue that PVR-Inox blames film quality for declining footfalls, while producers point fingers at high ticket prices, illustrating a disconnect between the industry, cinema owners, and the audience.
There are hopes that Pushpa 2 will cross at least 4 crore footfalls in India and trade predicts that SS Rajamouli’s film with Mahesh Babu has the potential to cross 5 crore footfalls.
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