AICWA urges Maharashtra government to withdraw BMC’s proposed theatre tax hike
Cine workers warn steep entertainment levy could cripple theatres, raise ticket prices and threaten jobs across Maharashtra’s film industry
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has opposed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposed hike in entertainment tax on theatres, urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reject the move, which could see taxes on some cinema screenings rise by up to 570%.
The BMC has proposed increasing the entertainment tax on air-conditioned (AC) cinemas and multiplexes from ₹60 to ₹400 per show. For single-screen AC cinemas, the tax is proposed to rise from ₹60 to ₹200 per show, while non-AC cinemas could see the levy increase from ₹45 to ₹90 per show. The proposal also includes a hike in the tax on drama, jalsa and other entertainment programmes from ₹25 to ₹100 per show.
The revised rates are yet to receive approval from the Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department. Until the state government sanctions the proposal and issues a notification, the existing rates will continue to apply, according to civic officials.
AICWA flags impact on film industry, employment
In its statement, AICWA said the proposed hike would directly affect theatre owners, producers, distributors and cine workers, at a time when the film industry is already facing serious challenges. “Higher taxation can increase pressure on ticket prices, reduce audience footfall and negatively affect film production and employment opportunities for thousands of workers, technicians, junior artists and artists,” the association said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.
The association urged the Maharashtra government to stop the proposed tax increase and protect the film industry and the livelihoods of cine workers. “The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) urges the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, to immediately reject the proposed BMC theatre tax hike,” the statement said.
AICWA president Er. Suresh Shyamlal Gupta signed the statement, reiterating the association’s appeal to the state government. “AICWA strongly appeals to the Maharashtra Government to stop this proposed tax hike and protect the entire film industry and the livelihoods of millions of cine workers,” the statement said.
The proposed increase comes amid concerns from industry stakeholders that higher entertainment taxes could raise the cost of running theatres and put additional pressure on ticket prices.