29 September,2026 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Fatima Sana Shaikh. Pic via Instagram
Fatima Sana Shaikh has questioned whether moviegoers will continue heading to theatres if the proposed hike in Mumbai's entertainment tax comes into effect. The actor was speaking at NDTV Yuva 2026 when she was asked about the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's proposal to increase the entertainment tax on air-conditioned cinema halls and multiplexes by 570 per cent.
Speaking about the potential impact on audiences, the Dangal actor pointed to the already high cost of a trip to the movies. "Who's going to watch movies then? Hardly anyone is watching them as it is. If you want to go see a movie, it easily costs Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000... the popcorn alone is Rs 1,000. Who's going to eat that? I mean, you'd have to think twice or ten times about it," she said.
The actor went on to say that tickets themselves can cost around Rs 700-800, making a family outing to the cinema considerably expensive once food and other expenses are added. For Fatima, the issue is also linked to accessibility and who feels comfortable entering a multiplex.
"It is also very classist I must say because single screens are over, so you have already alienated your audience," she said, adding that some people may find going to a theatre intimidating because they feel they do not belong there.
Fatima further argued that making cinema more expensive could take films away from sections of the audience. "This is very sad; it shouldn't be the case because films are the easiest way to reach to the audience and to even question morality or question anything. The moment you make it expensive, you are taking it away from a lot of people," she said.
The BMC proposal covers more than just AC cinema halls. It also suggests increasing the tax on non-AC cinema halls from Rs 45 to Rs 200 per ticket, while performing arts events such as plays and concerts could see the tax rise from Rs 50 to Rs 100. The proposal also includes a new tax bracket for mini-theatres and video-screening venues.
Fatima's comments come as she continues to promote her recent acting work. She was recently seen in the series Hunkkaar, where she played investigator cop ACP Jasleen Singh Soin. At the event, she also spoke about preparing for the role and why she wanted to explore the mindset of a police officer rather than simply focus on the physicality of playing a cop.
The actor was also seen in Aap Jaisa Koi and has Teen Kauwe lined up.
