MP Urges National Policy to Save Single Screens

S. Niranjan Reddy, a Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh, raised the issue of the single-screen cinema crisis in the house on Tuesday. He urged the government to implement national policy-level interventions to save this integral part of Indian culture. His suggestions included: Policy measures proposed: GST relief for single-screen theatres; Renovation support and concessional loans; Swift single-window clearances for theatres. The Parliamentarian pointed out that the crisis deepened recently, citing the temporary shutdown of nearly 450 single-screen theatres in Telangana in May 2024 due to low audience turnout. High ticket prices deter middle- and lower-income audiences who are the main base for single-screens. In his address, he also touched upon the losses incurred by a multiplex chain, saying that the existing model benefits neither multiplexes nor the audience, who shell out hundreds of rupees on Foods & Beverages. 18% GST on tickets, platform fees, and exorbitant food and beverage rates was also highlighted. Niranjan Reddy's address comes at a time when it's evident that family audiences have deserted the cinemas in recent years. Film piracy and OTT are regarded as two of the most obvious causes behind the unprecedented decline in footfalls.