Why Hindi Films Are Struggling While South Indian Films Are Thriving — Tigmanshu Dhulia Blames Ticket Prices, Not Just OTT.

In a recent interview, filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia shared his thoughts on why many Hindi films are not doing well at the box office, while South Indian films continue to succeed. His statements came shortly after Aamir Khan pointed fingers at OTT platforms for taking away the theater-going audience. But Dhulia offered a different, more grounded reason — the high cost of movie tickets in multiplexes.

During a podcast with ANI, Tigmanshu Dhulia explained that the current movie-going experience in multiplexes is less about cinema and more about selling a lifestyle. He said, “They aren’t just selling you a movie ticket. They’re selling you parking, popcorn, samosas, tacos, and then, somewhere in between, a movie ticket too. You’re basically paying to watch a film on a big screen TV and eat overpriced snacks.”

The Multiplex Business Model: Real Estate Over Cinema?

Dhulia criticized the multiplex model, saying it has become more about real estate and less about cinema. He pointed out that the pricing model doesn’t encourage people to watch movies regularly. “Why would someone pay such a high price just to watch a film?” he asked.

He also mentioned that the South Indian film industry has been more successful because of regulated ticket prices. He said that while the average theater occupancy in South India is around 75%, in the North it’s just 25%. One major reason, according to him, is that the South caps ticket prices, making cinema accessible to more people.

Are Re-Releases Performing Better Than New Films?

Dhulia gave an interesting example to support his argument. He pointed out how older films that flopped during their initial release are now doing well during re-releases — mainly because ticket prices are lower. Films like Sanam Teri Kasam, Tumbbad, and Rockstar have found new life in theaters with reduced rates.

He asked, “Why did these movies work during their re-release? Because the ticket prices were low. It’s that simple.”

Netizens Agree With Tigmanshu Dhulia

After his comments went viral, many users on Reddit agreed with Dhulia’s views. One Redditor quoted his iconic line from Gangs of Wasseypur, saying, “Jab tak Hindustan mein cinema hai… just came true.” Another shared how lucky they feel to have access to affordable single-screen theaters that are still running in their area.

High Ticket Prices vs. Content: What’s Really Keeping Audiences Away?

While some believe poor content is to blame for the failure of Hindi films, Dhulia’s argument brings attention to pricing as a major barrier. With OTT platforms offering unlimited content at a fraction of the cost of a movie ticket, many viewers are choosing to stay home. Combine that with overpriced snacks and add-ons, and going to the movies becomes a luxury rather than a casual outing.

Final Thoughts

Tigmanshu Dhulia’s observations strike a chord with many cinema lovers who miss the days when watching a movie was affordable and accessible. His comments serve as a wake-up call for the Hindi film industry and theater owners. Unless there is a change in how cinema is priced and positioned, the gap between Hindi and South Indian film success might only grow wider.

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