GST on Movie Tickets Slashed; Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar Elated with Decision

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Saturday announced its decision to make film tickets cheaper. Movie tickets priced up to Rs 100 will now attract GST at a rate of 12 per cent, instead of the earlier 18 per cent. While the tax rates for movie tickets above Rs 100 has been brought down to 18% from the 28% fixed by the GST Council last year.

According to the Multiplex Association of India, the move was long due and will slash ticket prices by 7-8 percent, reports Money Control.

“We felt that there was great injustice done to the sector when we were put in these heavy tax brackets, because watching a movie at the theatre isn’t a luxury. With 2.5 billion tickets sold annually, films, in many cases across India, are the only source of entertainment for the masses,” said Deepak Asher, president at the Multiplex Association of India.

Bollywood celebrities including Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar hailed government's decision to reduce GST on cinema tickets by calling it a "welcome move" which will benefit both the industry and the audience.

Producers Guild of India also issued a statement, expressing gratitude to the government.

"This will help the industry move forward positively with increased investments in both exhibition infrastructure and creative development, enabling even better cinema and greater screen density across the country. We look forward to continuing to engage with the government on initiatives that will help to unleash the full potential of the film industry," Siddharth Roy Kapur, President of Producers Guild of India said in a statement.

Aamir tweeted, "Heartfelt thank you to Honorable PM & the Govt of India for considering the request of the film industry for reduction in GST. If Indian cinema hopes to compete in the world market then we need the support of the Govt and Administration. This is a great first step in that direction."

"The voice of the film industry was finally heard and immediate action taken, thanks to @narendramodi ji," Ajay posted on Twitter.

Karan wrote, "Would like to thank our Prime Minister @narendramodi for the swift action on the GST rate on movie tickets... Great news at the year end! Thank you sir for your proactivity and support....."

Akshay, too, lauded the swiftness of PM and said, "Quick action and how! Within a few days of our meeting with hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, the Government addressed our concern...GST for movie tickets to be reduced. A welcome move for the industry and audiences as well."

Producer Sidhwani and Bhushan Kumar also thanked the government. Sidhwani wrote, "Thank you so much Shri. @narendramodi ji for your immediate action of reduction in GST on cinema tickets..."

"Welcoming the news from #GSTCouncilMeet about the change in GST rate for our entertainment industry! Thank you @narendramodi ji & the cabinet for this consideration," Kumar tweeted.

Lyricist and Central Board of Film Certification chief Prasoon Joshi said, "Signifcant decision #GSTCouncilMeet Good news for both cinema goers and #IndianFilmIndustry Movie tickets upto Rs. 100 which had 18 per cent GST now brought down to 12 per cent and the ones in the 28 per cent slab will now be in 18 per cent slab. Thank you PM @narendramodi for hearing us out last week.

"Superb news for #IndianFilmIndustry. Cinema tickets upto Rs. 100 which were under 18 per cent GST slab is brought down to 12per cent slab. Tickets above Rs. 100 were under the 28 per cent slab. These tickets will now be under 18 per cent slab. Thank you PM @narendramodi and officials for this great decision," veteran actor Anupam Kher said.

The move comes after a delegation of Bollywood producers and actors including Akshay, Ajay and Karan called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a one-day visit to Maharashtra, at Raj Bhavan to discuss the issues being faced by the Indian film industry.

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