With Sikandar releasing this weekend, cinema halls have hiked ticket prices to record levels — even Mumbai’s iconic Plaza is charging ₹700. Industry veterans urge exhibitors to stay grounded, reminding that Salman’s core fan base lies in India’s heartland, not the elite circles.
Mumbai | March 26, 2025 –
Salman Khan’s much-awaited Eid release Sikandar is already making headlines — not just for its trailer or star power, but for something unexpected: sky-high ticket prices.
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As per trade insiders, many theatres are charging rates similar to Pushpa 2: The Rule, with Gaiety-Galaxy increasing balcony seats to ₹200 and stalls to ₹180. But what’s truly raised eyebrows is Mumbai’s Plaza cinema, a traditional single-screen theatre, charging a record ₹700 for recliner seats — a price tag more typical of luxury multiplexes.
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💺 Plaza’s Premium Price Shock:
Normally known for affordability, Plaza is charging:
- ₹600 for sofa seats (up from ₹350)
- ₹650 for box sofa (up from ₹400)
- ₹700 for recliners (up from ₹450)
This sharp hike has baffled trade circles. One insider commented, “Plaza’s recliners are good, but at ₹700? I’d rather book a multiplex seat.”
📉 Trade Reacts: “Masses, Not Classes” Drive Salman’s Craze
Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh explained, “This is all about demand and supply. But ideally, ticket rates should be affordable — especially for mass entertainers.”
Atul Mohan echoed that thought, “Theatres may justify pricing due to infrastructure investment, but cinema is for everyone. Outpricing the audience can hurt business.”
Raj Bansal, a leading exhibitor, warned, “High pricing could dent collections by 10–15%. It’s risky during a crucial holiday window.”
Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Bihar, minced no words:
“The loyalty lies with the masses, not the rich. If we continue alienating core cinema-goers, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.”
He added, “Ameer aadmi ki loyalty nahin hoti. It’s the mass audience that fills our seats, drives the hype, and keeps cinemas alive. Overpricing will ruin this delicate balance.”
Chauhan also confirmed he plans to keep ticket rates reasonable in his theatre when bookings open.
🎥 Did the Late Trailer Strategy Work?
Sikandar’s trailer dropped just a week before release — a move initially met with skepticism. But trade voices now believe it was a smart digital-era tactic.
Atul Mohan noted, “In an age of short attention spans, putting out the trailer close to release helps keep excitement fresh.”
Chauhan agreed, saying, “This generation consumes everything instantly. A short, sharp promo window actually works better than dragging it for months.”
📈 Bottom Line:
While Sikandar is expected to be a major box office event, experts stress that pricing it out of reach for the aam janta could backfire. With hype building and tickets flying fast, all eyes are now on how the Salman-starrer performs this festive weekend.
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Salman Khan, Sikandar, Sikandar Ticket Price, Box Office Buzz, Plaza Cinema Mumbai, Ticket Pricing Controversy, Bollywood Box Office, Eid Release 2025, Salman Khan Fans, Single Screen Theatres, Bollywood Trade Reactions