A recent visit to Kamala Cinemas in Vadapalani has sparked public outrage, after a customer alleged that the theatre denied in-person purchase of ₹60 tickets, insisting such tickets were available only through online booking.
The incident came to light after a Facebook post of one Aashish B, detailing the experience began circulating on social media. According to the post, the individual, accompanied by a friend, approached the theatre’s counter to buy two tickets priced at ₹60 each—reportedly the minimum government-mandated fare.
However, the staff at the counter allegedly refused to issue those tickets, despite online platforms showing plenty of availability. When questioned, the staff insisted that ₹60 tickets could only be booked online.
“I was shocked. I checked online and found that almost the entire row was empty. But when I asked for tickets at the counter, they simply refused,” said the post’s author Aashish B.
What followed was reportedly a frustrating encounter with unresponsive staff. Requests to meet the manager were met with indifference, and even when the manager was eventually approached, he allegedly brushed off the complaint, stating, “That’s the policy of Kamala Cinemas. You can tell whoever you want.”
The issue gained more traction due to the service charge imposed on online bookings, which increased the effective cost of the ₹60 ticket to ₹95.40—more than a 50% markup. “Why should I be forced to pay extra to book a government-mandated minimum fare ticket?” the complainant asked.
The customer also criticized the staff for their uncooperative attitude and lack of clear communication. “When we asked basic questions, they were unwilling to respond. It’s as if they don’t care because they think we can’t do anything about it,” the post read.
Our reporter reached out to Vishnu Kamal—one of the partners and the person overseeing theatre operations—via WhatsApp regarding the issue. A day later, Vishnu Kamal responded with a message stating, ‘Sorry for any inconvenience caused, brother. We will immediately look into the issue. Thanks for understanding.’
This incident has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of cinema ticketing practices, especially in theatres that seemingly circumvent in-person sales of lower-priced tickets.
As of now, apart from a brief reply from Vishnu Kamal, Kamala Cinemas has not issued any official statement addressing the allegations.
Several citizens have reported that low-priced tickets are not being issued at the physical counters of certain theatres. It is hoped that the concerned authorities will take note of this issue and initiate a proper investigation.
Please click the below link to read the Facebook status of Aashish B:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZMEaUpysQ/