Overpriced popcorn, tickets: Kerala mall theatres face simultaneous inspections

Kerala's Legal Metrology Department inspected cinema theatres in malls after repeated overcharging complaints. The drive has intensified scrutiny of theatre pricing as consumers allege inflated rates for snacks and tickets.Officials said the checks were launched after frequent complaints that food items were being sold at prices higher than those displayed or that consumers were being charged more than the listed rates. (Representative image)The Legal Metrology Department on Friday carried out simultaneous inspections at cinema theatres in malls in Kerala after repeated complaints of overcharging for food items, officials said. Teams in Kochi also included officials from the Civil Supplies and Food Safety departments.Officials said the checks were launched after frequent complaints that food items were being sold at prices higher than those displayed or that consumers were being charged more than the listed rates. The inspections come amid wider public complaints about pricing at theatres, including the cost of tickets and snacks.Explaining the exercise, a department official told reporters, "We are checking whether the price list for food items is displayed, the quantity of food being provided and whether consumers are being overcharged. The intention is to find out whether consumers are being exploited. The checks are being conducted at multiple locations."He said the state government had in 2019 fixed the price of a one-litre water bottle at Rs 13, but the decision was challenged in the Kerala High Court and its implementation was paused. "Currently, the matter is under the consideration of the court. The state government had taken certain steps. A similar issue exists in airports," he said. The official said a report on the findings of the inspections would be submitted to the state government, which would then issue the necessary orders.In Thiruvananthapuram, Corporation Mayor VV Rajesh said he had been receiving frequent complaints about theatres charging excessive prices for tickets and food items. "This is not a new occurrence. It has been happening for years. Even the concerned minister had spoken about it," he said. Rajesh said the issue had become more serious with theatres allegedly adopting dynamic pricing for tickets, leading to sharp increases during peak periods. He cited the case of a family in Thiruvananthapuram that allegedly paid Rs 6,048.94 online for seven tickets expecting recliner seats, but was given seats priced at Rs 230 each."When they arrived there, they were given seats worth Rs 230. When they went to the counter and enquired, they were told, 'It is being run by the company. If you have any issue, do whatever you can'," Rajesh said.He also referred to the experience of a prominent film producer who, according to him, paid Rs 498 for popcorn after buying a cinema ticket for Rs 250. "He himself asked me, 'What kind of situation is this where, after buying a ticket for Rs 250, one has to buy popcorn for Rs 500?'" Rajesh said.The mayor said the Corporation had limited powers to directly intervene in the pricing of cinema tickets and food items, though local authorities could step in on other aspects. He said the issue had now become a matter of public discussion, with growing demand for action."There is no distinction between the rich and the poor who face financial difficulties. There is no difference between men and women. Enjoyment is everyone's right; it is ingrained in everyone," Rajesh said.The inspections and the complaints together have placed the spotlight on how theatres price food items and tickets in the state.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 5, 2026 14:13 IST