Chennai Theatre Learns Costly Lesson As Consumer Panel Slaps Rs 12000 Fine For Excess Fare On Film Ticket

A theatre in Chennai learnt a costly lesson on ticket pricing after it was ordered to pay Rs 12,000 as compensation by a consumer panel for charging a moviegoer more than the government-mandated ticket price.

Theatre Charged 75 Times More Than Mandated Price

The penalty is 75 times the ticket price charged in 2021, according to a report in DTnext. G Devarajan, a Chennai-based social activist, had booked the ticket for Rajinikanth's Annaatthe on October 30, 2021, online. He had reserved the ticket through the Ticket New online platform for a screening at Casino Theatre. The ticket was priced at Rs 159.50, exceeding the government-mandated rate.

Devarajan filed a complaint with the Consumer Grievance Commissioner (North), accusing the theatre of unfair pricing practices. The North Chennai Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, chaired by S Rajeshwari, ruled in Devarajan's favor on November 25, 2024. The commission deemed the theatre's overcharging and poor service a violation of consumer rights.

Unfair Trade Practices

Casino Theatre has been directed to pay Rs 12,000 as compensation for mental distress, deficient service, and legal costs, along with 9% annual interest on the amount.

"This verdict reinforces that businesses cannot exploit patrons," Devarajan stated. It remains unclear whether the theatre will appeal the verdict. The case highlights increasing consumer vigilance against unfair trade practices.

Annaatthe is a 2021 Tamil action thriller directed by Siva and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. The film stars Rajinikanth alongside Khushbu, Meena, Nayanthara, Keerthy Suresh, Jagapathi Babu, Prakash Raj, Soori, Pandiarajan, Sathyan, and Sathish. The plot follows Kaalaiyan, a village head in Thanjavur, who protects his sister from a businessman and his elder brother.

The film grossed ₹124.3 crore at the box office.