In a candid and characteristically sharp critique, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has launched a scathing attack on the rising ticket prices and changing cinema viewing experience in multiplexes, particularly taking aim at the luxury of recliner seats. The acclaimed actor, known for his no-nonsense honesty, emphatically stated, "You haven't come to a spa, you have come to see a film!" His comments, made during a recent podcast interview with Himanshu Mehta, resonate with many audiences who feel alienated by the increasingly elitist cinema culture.

Rawal's remarks come at a time when Hindi cinema is grappling with fluctuating box office numbers and evolving audience preferences, largely influenced by the proliferation of OTT platforms.

The Problem with Pricey Tickets: A Barrier for the Common Man

Paresh Rawal began by highlighting the exorbitant cost of movie tickets in Hindi cinema, contrasting it sharply with the more regulated and accessible pricing model followed by South Indian cinemas, where ticket prices rarely exceed â‚¹200.

"If the aam janta (general public) shuns your film and only the rich class endorses your films, then it's wrong," Rawal asserted. He painted a vivid picture of the financial burden on a middle-class family: "If a middle-class family, comprising 5-6 members, go to watch a film, unke Rs. 5000-6000 toh yuh nikal jaate hai (their Rs. 5000-6000 just fly away like that)." He further added, "Also, there's no guarantee that the film will satisfy you. On top of that, the kids will of course ask for popcorn, soda and ice cream (which also adds to the expenditure)."

Rawal's comments underscore a critical issue: the inaccessibility of cinema for the average Indian family, potentially leading to a disconnect between filmmakers and the broader audience.

Recliner Seats and Waiter Service: "It's a Film, Not a Wedding Event!"

The "Baburao" of Bollywood reserved his sharpest criticism for the "Gold Class" and premium seating experiences, particularly the omnipresent recliner seats and the constant movement of waiters inside the halls.

"You are supposed to watch a film while sitting. Let ke nahin dekhi jaati (It is not watching while lying down)," Rawal quipped, adding, "You haven't come to a spa, you have come to see a film!"

He further lambasted the distractions caused by in-theater service: "Also, waiters keep roaming around. We have to tell them 'Hatt, hatt'. Arre it's a film, not a wedding event! Because of all this gandagi – gold class and all – you don't feel like going to the cinemas." With characteristic wit, he questioned the need for pillows in recliners: "It's okay to sit comfortably on a seat. But why sit (lying down) with a pillow? Aise hi baithna hai toh spa mein jao ya fir mujra dekhne jao (If you want to sit like that, then go to a spa or to watch a mujra)!"

Rawal's strong words highlight his belief that these "luxury" amenities detract from the immersive and traditional experience of watching a film, turning it into a social event rather than a focused artistic engagement.

The Evolving Audience and Content Disconnect

Beyond the economics and comfort, Rawal also touched upon a deeper concern: the failure of Hindi filmmakers to adapt to the evolving tastes of the audience. He noted that the rise of OTT platforms during the lockdown exposed viewers to diverse and high-quality content, significantly refining their preferences.

"The audience has evolved, but filmmakers haven't," he stated, making a strong case for content that meets contemporary expectations rather than relying on outdated formulas or sheer star power. He emphasized the need for sincerity in storytelling, warning against taking the audience for granted. This is particularly relevant as he recently confirmed his return to Hera Pheri 3, acknowledging the immense responsibility that comes with reviving such a beloved franchise.

Paresh Rawal's forthright comments serve as a wake-up call to the industry. His criticism of high ticket prices and the "spa-like" cinema experience reflects a widespread sentiment among the general public, urging filmmakers and exhibitors to prioritize accessibility and the pure cinematic experience over perceived luxury. His voice, respected for its honesty and depth, adds significant weight to the ongoing debate about the future of cinema in India.

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