Movie-goers worried over new GST slabs on tickets

Vijayawada: GST slabs proposed on movie tickets is creating problem to the movie lovers in major cities across the state. Even after revision of tax slabs by the union finance ministry, movie ticket rates at multiplex theatres was affected as they fall under higher category.

The Union finance ministry, as part of measures to fix GST slabs, proposed 28 per cent tax on movie tickets which was criticised by the film industry and trade circles. Later, it had revised the tax slabs and fixed 18 per cent GST on movie tickets under Rs 100 and tax on tickets priced more than that price will be 28 per cent, which is criticised by the people.

“Both union and state governments are trying to loot public in the name of GST. Movies are major source of entertainment in the state and increasing tax burden on movies was not necessary. The Union finance ministry is trying to publicise that it did a big favour to the public by reducing tax slabs. Majority of theatres in state were converted into multiplexes and their ticket rate will touch the mark of Rs 150 with the implementation of GST,” says M. Lakshman Reddy, a film distributor.

“Increase in tax slabs will have bad impact on small movies. Entertainment tax which was around 15 per cent for a Telugu film in the state will now become 28 per cent and people are preferring to watch movies at multiplexes. Government sho-uld consider affordability of the public before fixing tax,” says M. Gopichand, a movie producer.

“Both government and film industry are encashing on movie craze among public. One should avoid watching movies to give a strong reply to government,” says M.V. Anjaneyulu, secretary of Taxpayers Association.