BookMyShow may pull the plug in Maharashtra
BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani has hinted that the online booking website may pull the plug on its movie ticketing services in Maharashtra unless a quick resolution to a State Government notice, which requires booking websites and theatre chains to stop charging extra for tickets sold online, is found.
The notice, which was issued four months ago, following which chains like Cinemax India Ltd. and PVR Ltd. stopped charging convenience fees, has left BookMyShow and other online ticketing websites bleeding.
Though other States have not followed up with similar orders, Maharashtra contributes about 15-20 per cent of nation-wide box office collections, almost one of the single biggest markets.
According to industry insiders, several other ticketing players are mulling pulling out as well.
“These are the actions of a hyperactive bureaucrat who has no understanding of the market and what the consumer really wants. We’re taking a significant hit and as a businessmen who has a ‘P&L’ to follow… at some point, if the water goes above the neck, I will shut it down in Maharashtra,” said Mr. Hemrajani, in an interaction with The Hindu on Thursday.
BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani has hinted that the online booking website may pull the plug on its movie ticketing services in Maharashtra unless a quick resolution to a State Government notice, which requires booking websites and theatre chains to stop charging extra for tickets sold online, is found.
The notice, which was issued four months ago, following which chains like Cinemax India Ltd. and PVR Ltd. stopped charging convenience fees, has left BookMyShow and other online ticketing websites bleeding.
Though other States have not followed up with similar orders, Maharashtra contributes about 15-20 per cent of nation-wide box office collections, almost one of the single biggest markets.
According to industry insiders, several other ticketing players are mulling pulling out as well.
“These are the actions of a hyperactive bureaucrat who has no understanding of the market and what the consumer really wants. We’re taking a significant hit and as a businessmen who has a ‘P&L’ to follow… at some point, if the water goes above the neck, I will shut it down in Maharashtra,” said Mr. Hemrajani, in an interaction with The Hindu on Thursday.