Movie tickets, concerts and other entertainment events in Mumbai could become more expensive if a proposed revision to the city’s entertainment tax gets approval.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has proposed a steep increase in the tax charged on cinemas, multiplexes and entertainment venues. However, the revised rates are not in effect yet and still require approval from the Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department.
Multiplex Tax Could Jump From Rs 60 To Rs 400
The biggest proposed increase is for air-conditioned cinema halls and multiplexes.
The existing tax is Rs 60 per show, while the BMC has proposed increasing it to Rs 400. That represents an increase of around 567%, commonly being described as a 570% hike.
Single-screen air-conditioned cinemas could see the tax rise to Rs 200 per show.
For non-air-conditioned cinemas, the proposed rate is Rs 90 compared with the existing Rs 45.
Concerts And Plays Could Also Cost More
The proposed revision is not limited to movies.
Tax on dramas, jalsas and other entertainment programmes could rise from the existing Rs 25 to Rs 100 per show.
The proposal also covers performing arts events such as concerts and plays, with a revised tax of Rs 100 proposed for these programmes.
A new Rs 90 tax has also been proposed for mini-theatres and venues screening videos.
Will Movie Tickets Actually Rise By Rs 340?
Not necessarily.
The entertainment tax is charged to exhibitors and managers of entertainment venues for hosting shows. A higher tax could increase operating costs and may eventually be passed on to consumers through higher ticket prices.
However, a proposed increase from Rs 60 to Rs 400 does not automatically mean every multiplex ticket will become Rs 340 more expensive.
The final impact will depend on how cinema operators and other entertainment businesses account for the additional cost.
Marathi And Gujarati Content Could Get Full Exemption
The BMC has proposed a 100% exemption from theatre tax for Marathi and Gujarati films, plays and concerts.
The exemption would apply across cinema halls, multiplexes and theatres under the proposed structure.
The provision is intended to support regional-language cinema and cultural activities.
Why Is BMC Increasing The Tax?
Mumbai’s existing theatre tax structure has remained largely unchanged for decades.
The civic body has been considering a revision for years, with an earlier proposal reportedly dating back to 2015.
The BMC is looking at the revised rates as a way to increase revenue from entertainment activities in the city.
The Proposal Has Already Faced Objections
The proposed rates have not been accepted without criticism.
The BMC’s law committee has reportedly referred the proposal back to the administration and asked officials to rework the rates, with concerns raised that the increases are too high.
This means the figures currently being discussed may still change before any final decision.
When Will The New Rates Start?
For now, Mumbai moviegoers and concertgoers will continue to pay under the existing tax structure.
The proposed rates require approval from the Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department and formal notification before they can take effect.
Until that process is completed, the proposed Rs 400 multiplex tax remains only a proposal.
Summary
The BMC has proposed a major revision of Mumbai’s entertainment tax, including raising the levy on multiplexes from Rs 60 to Rs 400 per show. Taxes on other cinemas, concerts, plays and entertainment programmes could also increase. Marathi and Gujarati productions may receive a full exemption. However, the proposal is still awaiting approval and the existing rates continue for now.
