Karan Johar Blames High Ticket, Snack Prices In Theatres for Decline in Family Movie Outings: 'They Can’t Afford It'

Karan Johar recently shared his thoughts on the rising cost of food in cinemas, calling it the reason why many Indian families are avoiding movie outings. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, the renowned filmmaker explained how expensive snacks, particularly popcorn, have made a simple trip to the theatre unaffordable for a significant portion of the audience. According to Karan, many families now opt to dine out instead of visiting cinemas, as movie outings don’t fit within their budget. 

Karan Johar on why families don't want to watch movies in theatres

Speaking about the financial strain on middle-income families, Karan noted, “They went to 100 homes, and out of those 100 homes, 90 said they would watch only two films a year (in theatres). This is of an income group that is a massive part of our audience base. They can’t afford it. They may come out on Diwali, or if they hear about a film like Stree 2.”  

He highlighted that families are reluctant to take their children to theatres because the high cost of snacks, such as caramel popcorn, makes them feel guilty when they can't meet their kids’ requests. "The average cost for a family of four can be Rs 10,000," he said, asserting that such an amount is not a part of many families’ financial plans. 

"Parents now prefer to go to a restaurant"

Karan further explained that many parents prefer to go to a restaurant, where they are only paying for food without the added cost of movie tickets. For these families, the hefty price tag on a cinema experience is simply not feasible, especially when compared to other leisure activities that offer better value. 

Karan Johar's future projects

Looking ahead, Karan has some exciting projects in the pipeline. He is producing 'Devara: Part 1', directed by Koratala Siva, and is also co-producing 'Jigra' with Alia Bhatt's Eternal Sunshine Productions. The latter, directed by Vasan Bala, will feature actors Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Aditya Nanda, and Rahul Ravindran in key roles.