A significant change may be on the horizon for Indian cinema as moviegoers could soon adopt a groundbreaking payment model.
The “Pay for What You Watch” system, which charges viewers based on the time they spend in a theater, is generating excitement throughout the industry.
Experts suggest that this approach could greatly enhance audience engagement, providing both flexibility and affordability for film lovers.
Under this new model, ticket prices are determined by the duration a viewer remains in the cinema.
If a film fails to meet their expectations, patrons can leave and only pay for the time they actually watched.
This system is being tested in select cities, with plans for wider implementation depending on how audiences respond.
This model is designed to benefit both viewers and theaters, empowering audiences while motivating filmmakers to create higher-quality content.
“It’s a win-win situation,” states cinema owner Rakesh Malhotra.
“Viewers spend less on films they don’t enjoy, while theaters see increased attendance by offering value-for-money experiences.”
Industry experts believe this concept could also help reduce piracy by encouraging people to visit theaters rather than resorting to illegal streaming.
The “Pay for What You Watch” model has the potential to transform the landscape of Indian cinema, similar to the impact multiplexes had two decades ago.
As this initiative begins to roll out, both audiences and cinema operators are keenly anticipating its effects on the movie culture in a country that has a deep-rooted passion for films.