Movie-goers slam Tivoli Cinemas for collecting 3D glass charges

Hyderabad: Even as consumer activists in Hyderabad fight for regulating ticket prices at multiplex theatres, owners find devious ways to loot consumers. Charging for re-usable 3D glasses is one way, say movie-goers.

Questioning this, Mohammed Sabuwala, a businessman from the city, took to Twitter on how Tivoli Cinemas in Secunderabad had charged Rs 30 for 3D glasses, that needed to be returned after the movie. “New way of looting money! why should theatres charge extra for 3d glasses and that too give used ones to wear,” he asked.

The gaps in government issuing sufficient guidelines regarding 3D glasses led to customers ultimately bearing the brunt.

In an RTI response from Hyderabad City police regarding details about movie theatres, it was categorically mentioned that “No single screen theatres are permitted to collect extra charges for giving 3D glasses.”

However, the catch lies in multiplex theatres charging for 3D glasses. The RTI response further states that “some multiplexes were permitted to collect extra charges for screening 3D movies as per their representations and GO’s issued by the government.”

‘Charging for 3D glasses is completely illegal’

Vijay Gopal, founder of Forum Against Corruption (FAC), is of the opinion that charging for 3D glasses is completely illegal.

“There is no government orders that state that multiplex theatres may charge for 3D glasses. But while giving licence, the authority for movie theatres gives the owner permission to collect money for the same. The point is how did the multiplexes get this permission, and who gave it to them?”

The RTI response, which was released in December, also mentioned how there were no restrictions on customers bringing their own 3D glasses. Furthermore, there is no prescribed rate from the government about the maximum charge that may be levied from movie-goers for using 3D glasses. Such loopholes may only affect the consumer in the end, says the consumer activist.