Advertisements shown in movie theaters has been one of the greatest paradoxes of modern times: The consumer, the movie lover spends his time, money to buy the movie ticket, and makes an effort to visit the cinema theater.
In return, he is bombarded with advertisements before the movie starts, and during ‘interval’, which are the same advertisements which are shown on TV as well.
A movie lover from Hyderabad decided enough is enough.
He has actually filed an FIR against movie chain behemoth Cinepolis, for the same reason.
And police has started an investigation as well.
FIR Against Cinepolis For Showing Ads
Sai Teja who belongs to the Forum Against Corruption (FAC) from Hyderabad had gone to Cinepolis theater in Kukatpally area of Hyderabad on October 8th.
The movie was supposed to start at 4.30PM, but was delayed due to ads, as it happens with every movie theater.
When repeated ads were shown before the movie started, he went to the Manager, and demanded why patron’s time was being wasted by showing advertisements.
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In their defense, the management stated that these ads are a way to increase their revenues.
Sai Teja then went ahead and filed a police complaint against Cinepolis, under ‘unfair trade practices’ as described under Telangana State Cinema Regulations Act, 1955.
He said, “Committing to a time to the patrons, and making them watch advertisements to generate higher revenue during the time when the show is supposed to start, is highly unethical of the multiplex management and disrespecting of the time of the patrons.”
Police Investigation Starts
The police complaint was filed on October 14th, at the KPHB Police Station.
In the complaint, it has been mentioned that Cinepolis has resorted to unfair trade practices under Telangana State Cinema Regulations Act, 1955, and the manager of that Cinepolis multiplex at Kukatpally has also been named in the complaint.
Besides, the FIR also states that there was no complaint book kept at the premises, which stopped him, and other patrons from filing complaints.
This FIR, and subsequent investigation can set the benchmark for all other cinema chains including PVR, Inox, Carnival and others, since every cinema chain shows advertisements during the movies, and it has become a norm.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
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