The new GST regime has been announced by the central government, and moviegoers have been waiting to know whether or not the new slabs will bring them relief. The tax slab has been reduced, but in reality, it doesn’t benefit the majority of the theatre-going audiences.
Starting 22nd September 2025, tickets priced at Rs. 100 or below will be taxed at 5%, a drop of 7% compared to earlier. Tickets costing more than Rs. 100 will be taxed at 18% GST, just like before. Since the majority of the theatres in Telugu states charge more than Rs. 100, the 7% tax reduction hardly benefits many.
For a long time, there have been debates about the exorbitant ticket prices in high-end multiplexes and single screens for new releases, and even with the revised tax regime, there won’t be much respite for cinephiles Single screens in rural areas may slighly gain from the 5% tax slab, but audiences residing in cities should continue to shell out more to watch movies.
Reportedly, the Multiplex Association of India wrote a letter to the central government, requesting the authorities to bring movie tickets priced up to Rs. 300 under the 5% slab. However, the GST council ignored the association’s request.