A blog containing few deep reflections, occasional rants, quizzes etc. Basically Random musings ;)

Saturday 30 June, 2007

PVR and other multiplexes - Overcharging and Cheating

I am sure most of us must have watched movies in the multiplexes that are mushrooming everywhere these days. The have become so popular that people now avoid going to the good old theatres. I agree that these new halls give a superior experience of watching movies, be it the the sound, seating comfort etc. Though the charges for a movie is more than double what you might pay in the good old theatres, the wholesome experience might justify the extra cost.

But nowadays these multiplexes have started making rules which cause inconvenience to the customers and give them a handsome profit. They do not allow you to take anything inside the hall except your mobile, wallet and clothes that you wear(thankfully!!). The other day a friend of mine had a packet of mouth freshner and the security at the entrance would not allow it inside. I fail to understand how that could be a security hazard?? This particular case happened in one of the largest multiplex group in India - PVR. They made him throw it away in the dustbin. People who had shopping items/carrybags were asked to deposit them at a retain chain in another floor.

One is not allowed to carry anything eatble/drinkable. So when you spend about 3.5 hours(most hindi movies are about 3 hours+time b4 and after the movie), you are bound to feel a little thirsty or hungry unless you have just had something before you come in. This in turn increases the sales of items at their counters inside the premises. And the prices are exhobitant to say the least. The prices are at least twice the normal and in many cases over 3 times. They do not sell packaged items in most cases as it restricts them to charge MRP. This is a sort of looting the public. And the authorities just dont care (or maybe they dont want to care).

A few months ago a TV channel had highlighted the case where bottled water was being charged Rs. 20 whereas the retail price is Rs.10. What was surprising was that the MRP itself was printed Rs. 20??? Now does not anyone smell irregularties here!!!!!!

What I fail to understand is that:
1) How can something that has been allowed to be carried into the mall/building be a security hazard inside the hall?
2) Why dont the authorities wake up and check the overcharging for the food at these theatres?

(ok... feeling lazy now.. wud add more later...)

2 comments:

Rahul said...

Hii Himanshu,

Your comments on todays multiplex are thought provoking. Yes, there is a need to raise voice against this, and you did the right thing.

Rahul

U Chandra K said...

I heard that they are getting worse... somebody needs to raise these concerns... you would think there would be enough competition to eliminate such pricing..

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