India has witnessed a significant surge in movie ticket prices over the past few years, prompting a shift in audience behavior. For many, the once-affordable pastime of going to the cinema has become a luxury. Sahil Arora, a 20-year-old Bollywood enthusiast, recently paid 500 rupees ($6) for a ticket at a Delhi multiplex, nearly a third of his weekly allowance. ‘I enjoyed the movie, but the price was a sore point,’ he said, adding that he skipped the 500-rupee popcorn to save money. His experience reflects a broader trend, as rising costs drive moviegoers towards cheaper streaming alternatives.