JANTA CINEMA

Film business sees little relief; Some spot an upside
The reduction of GST on film tickets priced up to ₹100 to 5% offers limited relief to audiences and the exhibition industry, struggling with low footfall and competition. While the Multiplex Association of India had requested a 5% tax slab for tickets up to ₹300, the new GST regime doesn't address this.

Big banner films still fail to deliver bang for the buck
Box office revival faces challenges. 'War 2' and 'Coolie' underperform despite high budgets. 'Saiyaara' achieves unexpected success. Experts cite weak scripts and lack of freshness. Audience finds visual effects in 'War 2' underwhelming. Producers focus on recovering investments. Exhibitors worry about formulaic filmmaking. The audience expresses disappointment with current trends. Content dictates sustained success.

'It is not a spa': Paresh Rawal slams luxury culture in multiplexes. Calls out reclining seats, high ticket prices amid 'Hera Pheri 3' comeback
In a candid podcast interview, Paresh Rawal confirmed his return to Hera Pheri 3 while sharply criticizing Bollywood’s current trajectory. He expressed concern over overpriced multiplex tickets, indulgent recliner seating, and filmmakers’ failure to evolve with viewers' refined tastes. Urging sincerity in storytelling, Rawal called for cinema that serves the people—not just the privileged.

Box office grows 27% in 2025, but Bollywood remains worried
Despite box office growth, the Indian film industry faces challenges. Stakeholders express nervousness due to these issues. A decline in elite audience attendance is a major concern. The industry also lacks well-made mass entertainers. Non-Hindi films contribute significantly to box office collections. Experts suggest focusing on mid-budget films with fresh stories.

Bigg Boss OTT garners 400 million video views
According to Viacom18, the entertainment IP has earned itself a prime position among advertisers owing to its reach and unique engagement options. Anchored by the popularity of the show and its OG host, Salman Khan, a diverse set of brands have joined as sponsors for JioCinema’s Bigg Boss OTT.

Growth cannot be 7 per cent this year as claimed by govt, says Chidambaram on Budget 2023
Notably, according to the Economic Survey 2022-23, the economy is expected to grow at 7 per cent in real terms for the year ending March 2023. This follows an 8.7 per cent growth in the previous financial year. While talking to the media, Chidambaram said, "They have reduced the subsidy on fertilizer and food. How can this be accepted? The growth will not be 7 per cent this year as the central government claims."
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A tale of the two most successful brand appropriations ever
Hitching a ride’ with two unrelated phenomena – Durga Puja and cinema – two ‘products’ became iconic in their own right and forever associated with them
NCP to resume 'Janta Darbar' from April 4 as Maharashtra lifts all COVID restrictions from April
After the Maharashtra Government announced that all COVID-19 related restrictions including the wearing of masks in public places will be withdrawn from Saturday, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday said that the party's 'Janta Darbar', which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now resume from April 4, 2022.
Coronavirus: Cinema operators seek exemption on taxes, loan moratorium for one year
Cinema exhibitors have also asked for a waiver of the minimum demand charges on electricity by several discoms, said Multiplex Association of India (MAI) in a statement.
Will over-the-top streaming services hit multiplexes?
While some see OTT as a substitute, it is equally true that OTT is also driving people to the multiplexes.
2014 was a mandate for hope and aspiration, 2019 is about confidence and acceleration: Narendra Modi
The first phase of polling and the people’s response have reinforced my confidence, said PM Modi
'Padmaavat' screening: Only Karni Sena OK will work for Raj Mandir Cinema
When asked why Karni Sena damaged vehicles of McDonald’s and Domino’s, Makrana said they are multinationals and deserved it.
Padmaavat row: SC is supreme but people's court above SC, says Karni Sena Chief
Lokendra Singh Kalvi said he was confident that the movie will still not be released in Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh despite the SC's directions.
Historians, Royals on Karni Sena panel for 'Padmaavat'; fringe groups demand ordinance to ban the film
SC refused to modify its order that had cleared the movie's nationwide release following which Rajput groups turned to the Centre demanding an ordinance "within 24 hours" in view of "public sentiments".
Now, Karni Sena demands 'janta curfew' on 'Padmaavat'
The organisation said that it had asked distributors not to purchase rights of the movie.
Karni Sena open to watching 'Padmaavat' ahead of release; protests across several states
The film, slated to be released on January 25, has been been facing protests by Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the flick.
People will impose 'janta curfew' in halls if 'Padmaavat' screened: Karni Sena
I met the UP chief minister Adityanath today and demanded a ban on the film Padmaavat, Karni Sena patron Lokendra Singh Kalvi told reporters after a 20-minute meeting with Adityanath.
Moral police swoops down on Bengali film on child abuse
Having enjoyed an extraordinarily successful run in Kolkata, Utsav Mukherjee's "Bheetu" has hit the wall at a screening in Delhi.
2014: A politically eventful year for India
The states of Jharkahand, Maharashtra and Haryana witnessed a regime change and Jammu and Kashmir saw a hung Parliament in the recent elections.
Bollywood-produced protest music is back, but does not stir people
Barring songs from Peepli Live and Gulaal, however, most of these songs failed to make any popular impact.
Will year-end releases end Bollywood slump?
With big releases around the year end, will it be snowing moolah this Christmas? Bollywood is keeping its fingers crossed.
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