Popcorn in Cinemas: Over time, the relationship between cinema and popcorn has deepened. Let's explore how popcorn became a status symbol and how much revenue it generates.

Popcorn in cinemas

Popcorn in Cinemas: The history of popcorn in cinemas is a long and interesting one. It has been influenced by changing audience habits and the film industry. Once considered a cheap roadside snack, popcorn has now become a major part of multiplex visits and urban lifestyles. Today, a tub of popcorn in a premium air-conditioned cinema hall can cost anywhere from ₹300 to ₹500. Thus, a simple snack has become a significant and integral part of the movie-going experience.

This shift reflects both cultural change and business strategy. Cinema operators are now increasingly dependent on food and beverage sales. This is because ticket revenues must be shared with film distributors and producers, but food and beverage sales offer substantial profits.

Why the opposition to food and drinks in early cinema halls?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cinemas positioned themselves as premium and luxurious places to be. Cinema operators forbade patrons from consuming anything inside, fearing that food and drinks would soil the carpets and spoil the atmosphere. At that time, popcorn was primarily a cheap street-side snack.

The economic recession has changed people's habits.

The economic crisis of the 1930s changed the relationship between movies and snacks. As people found it difficult to afford expensive entertainment, cinema tickets and popcorn became an affordable alternative. Audiences began eating popcorn while watching movies. This created a deep connection between popcorn and cinema-going. This inexpensive snack became a perfect companion to the inexpensive outing experience.

Multiplexes gave popcorn a premium identity

The expansion of multiplex chains like PVR and INOX in India in the 1990s and 2000s completely transformed the movie-going experience. Regular popcorn was now complemented by premium options like caramel and cheese, served in large tubs. The ambiance had a significant impact. Clean, air-conditioned auditoriums and branded snacks combined to make popcorn a symbol of urban lifestyle and a certain social status.

Priced at ₹300 to ₹500, a tub of popcorn is a far cry from the image of the old roadside snack. For some viewers, purchasing it has become part of the cinema-going experience, despite its price being significantly higher than its production cost.

Why is food and drink more important than tickets?

Cinema operators are limited in their revenue from ticket sales. A significant portion of ticket prices, often 50% or more, goes to film distributors and producers. After accounting for electricity, rent, and staff costs, theater owners are left with very little profit from simply showing a film.

The calculations for food and beverages are quite different. A popcorn that sells for ₹300 might cost only ₹20 to ₹30 to make. Based on this, profits can range from 1000% to 1200%. This is why cinemas have a strong incentive to sell snacks and drinks along with tickets.

The concept of a captive audience also promotes the sale of food and beverages. Due to security concerns and Supreme Court directives, outside food is prohibited inside theaters. If a viewer needs something to eat or drink during the approximately three-hour film, they must purchase it from the shops inside the theater.

PVR INOX tax revenue shows its scale

In fiscal year 2026, PVR INOX earned ₹2,088 crore from popcorn and other food items. Its revenue from ticket sales during this period was ₹3,530 crore. The net profit margin from these items is several times higher than the margin from ticket sales. However, exact profit figures have not been disclosed.