EXCLUSIVE: “It’s very difficult for a mass audience to go to theatres unless…”, Aamir Khan opens up about high movie ticket prices

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Aamir Khan, often referred to as “Mr. Perfectionist,” is admired for his impactful films and deep reflections. In a recent conversation with Himesh Mankad at TopMob after the launch of his long-anticipated film Sitaare Zameen Par, he expressed concerns about how cinema has become increasingly expensive, making it challenging for many to experience movies in theaters.

Aamir Khan Talks About How The Consumption Of Cinema Has Changed

Looking back on his early career, Aamir Khan observed how the film industry has evolved. “I believe that both our films and the way we watch them have changed since I first entered. Initially, there were only single movie theaters, and there were just four screenings a day. Later on, multiplexes began to appear. Nowadays, there are more multiplexes than single theaters, so most of our film viewing takes place in these multiplexes,” he commented.

In the past, standalone cinemas were reasonably priced, allowing a wide range of people to experience films. However, today, multiplexes located in urban malls such as Mumbai and Delhi tend to have high operating costs. As Khan put it, “The exorbitant rent for these theaters and the expensive infrastructure within multiplexes inevitably lead to increased ticket prices.” This high cost often makes tickets unaffordable for a significant number of people.

Watch the full TopMob Masterclass featuring Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan Shares That Cinema Is No Longer A Mass Medium That It Used To Be

Aamir Khan noted that movies were once intended for all audiences. “At one point, this medium was referred to as a ‘mass medium,’ and there was a reason behind that term. It was because the masses could afford to watch the movie. I believe it’s challenging for the average person to see a film in cinemas today, unless you visit single-screen theaters,” he stated. High costs have made it difficult for many people to experience movies, particularly since single-screen theaters are becoming less common. “I’m not criticizing this or passing judgment; I’m simply pointing out that there has been a significant change,” he explained.

Aamir Khan Shares Solutions To Tackle The Problem Of Affordability

When questioned about potential solutions, the actor from Ghajini expressed an idea about constructing budget-friendly movie theaters. “As a creative individual, I often ponder this; it’s disheartening to consider that while there are 90,000 screens in China and 35,000 screens in the USA, India – being such a vast nation with a massive population – lacks the infrastructure to serve every region. If given the opportunity, I believe establishing affordable cinemas in districts currently devoid of any theater would significantly boost the movie industry,” he explained.

Aamir Khan Shares His Stance On Starting His Own Theatre Chain

When queried about launching his own theater chain, he made it plain that he wasn’t interested: “I prefer to avoid cinema management as it would demand too much of my time. I’d rather focus on creativity, but I certainly support the endeavors of others in this field. In fact, there are many who are already involved in the cinema business, so I offer them guidance and encouragement.

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2025-06-28 16:22