With New Consumer Court Ruling Will We See Less Ads In Cinemas Now?

A 30-year-old man from Bengaluru, Abhishek MR, has made headlines after winning Rs 65,000 in compensation from PVR Cinemas, INOX, and BookMyShow for what he described as a waste of time due to lengthy advertisements before a movie screening. The consumer court ruled in his favor, highlighting the principle that “time is money” and labelling the practice as “unfair trade.” This landmark decision has resonated with many moviegoers who often voice their frustrations over ticket prices, the cost of food and beverages, and the excessive time spent watching ads before their favourite films. In 2023, Abhishek booked three tickets to see the film Sam Bahadur, scheduled to start at 4:05 pm. However, the screening was delayed by nearly 30 minutes due to a barrage of advertisements and trailers, prompting him to take legal action. His case has sparked a conversation about the growing dissatisfaction among consumers regarding the overall cinema experience, which often feels marred by high costs and lengthy pre-show content. This ruling has instilled confidence in the average consumer who frequently complains about the escalating expenses associated with a trip to the multiplex. With cinema chains like PVR INOX already facing criticism for their pricing strategies, this decision may serve as a wake-up call for these establishments to reconsider their advertising practices. Many patrons feel that after paying a premium for tickets, they should not have to endure an extended advertising session before the film begins. As multiplexes continue to generate revenue from box office sales, food and beverages, the pressure to provide a more satisfying experience for customers is mounting. This ruling could potentially lead to restrictions on the length and frequency of advertisements, ultimately enhancing the movie-watching experience and restoring consumer trust in the industry.