It’s a big relief for all the moviegoers, as Maharashtra govt has allowed outside food inside theatres with effect from August. Today, the govt clarified that there is no restriction on taking food articles from outside to multiplexes and consuming them inside the premises. Importantly, the prices of the refreshments sold inside, have been reduced.
For those who've come in late, SpotboyE.com ran a very interesting podcast debating the overpricing of the snacks in multiplexes, and, whether the government should allow outside food to be brought in.
Following the news, we went out to grab some reaction and here’s what the Janta has to say about the recent developments:
Abhinav Trivedi, 32, Media Professional –
Multiplexes get about 40% of their profit by selling food and drink items within the premises. Allowing outside food is justified in the short term to please people, but not reasonable in the long term. A better decision could have been regulating & capping the prices within the premises. Also the quantity of outside food which can be taken has to be defined. All stakeholders including the industry need to be consulted for taking a well balanced economic decision. Populist decisions are band-aid solutions, not permanent.
Shahbaz Temkar, 31, Marketing Professional – 
I believe that the increase in food prices within theatre premises came hand in hand with the multiplex culture. Although the recent move from the government will definitely help moviegoers, it will be interesting to see what route theatres will take to get more money out of the consumers.
Manali Ambre, 33, Sales Professional – 
I think it's a decent move, a lot of people do not prefer the junk food that is bring sold in the multiplexes and this will give viewers options to bring whatever food they want and it will help them cut down on food expenses.
Archana Koul, 27, Sales Professional - 
Now people will have their little picnic in theatres. And make everything messy.
Amit Bhargav, 29, Media Professional – 
People can watch more movies if they save on food expenses in theatres. It’s a breather for commoner.
Mahendra Pandey, 31, Sales Professional – 
Bad thing for multiples because they will lose on business, good thing for us as we can take vadapav as well inside the theatre, which we can get for 10/- only instead of spending 200 to 300/- rupees on pop corn.
Nikita Dalvi, 29, Media Professional - 
It's a great move by the government. Now, I wouldn't have to spend a bomb on buying humble food items inside the theatres. I can pack my essentials with me and enjoy the film.
Pankaj Chavan, 26, IT Professional – 
Good! It’s good that middle class people will now be able to afford food.
Sonal Chaurasia, 28, Media Professional – 
Great! At least now people, who cannot afford the extremely over priced food at multiplexes, won't have to sit for the movies empty stomach. Specially kids.
Ruchi Surana, 20, Marketing Professional – 
This is a decent move but it will create a lot of mess in theatres if they decide to bring perishable food products such as roti, sabji, dal etc. It will lead to hygiene issues. So, only non-perishable products should be allowed.
Candida D’Souza, 30, Marketing Professional – 
Good job but the hope the public keep the surrounding clean and multiplexes provide bins in the theatre.
Shailesh Charania, 33, Media Professional – 
Kya faayda... The price of tickets will be increased to cover up the loss.
Soumyo Das, 28, Media Professional – 
It’s good that government will now allow patrons to take eatables inside but only dry foods should be allowed inside with supervision of the security at the entrance.
Abhishek Jain, 25, Retail Professional – 
It will be better if cheaper food is available inside theaters. People getting outside food will create a lot of nuisance. Indians don't deserve that much freedom.
Krati Mangal, 29, HR Professional – 
I am very happy with this. We will now be able to eat food of our choice and at the value which is worth spending.