HYDERABAD: The state government’s ban on selling online movie tickets in various multiplexes has made it very inconvenient for cinema fans. Now, the government has been accused of favouritism by a web portal owner for issuing licences to just a few firms. According to the government order 110, the state government banned multiplexes and web portals from selling tickets online and only two firms, BeyondBasiks Infotech Pvt Ltd and Galaxy Entertainers Pvt Ltd were issued licences to book online film tickets.Galaxy Entertainers Pvt Ltd was the only firm issued a 10-year online ticketing licence and BeyondBasiks given a licence on an annual renewal basis. Anirudh Reddy, a corporate employee says, “It is very inconvenient to go to the theatre to book tickets. It is much comfortable if I can just sit in my office or home and book tickets. I do not mind paying extra for the tickets.” Aarathi Rao, a housewife concurs, “Earlier, I could just sit at home and select tickets online. Now, I have to travel early, wait in the queue to get my tickets.”Many big multiplexes and online web portals have not been provided with a licence and theatres have to tie up with these two portals for online ticket booking. In this regard, an employee of of Bookmyshow.com, another online ticket booking portal was arrested for selling tickets without a valid licence. Naturally, other web portals are up in arms over the decision. Raj Tadla, managing director of BeyondBasiks said, “ It is unfair for the government to give the 10-year licence to just one firm. We also have tie-ups with 48 cinema halls. Why only Galaxy Entertainers has been awarded the licence?”Local theatres and multiplexes are not very happy about the situation. They are even expecting ticket sales to drop by 30 per cent. Rohit Singh, an executive of a popular multiplex says, “We had a facility to book movie tickets online but after the ban, we had to shut it down.” Another multiplex executive said, “We have every right to have our own online ticketing portal. Why do we have to tie up with someone for the facility?”Commenting on the situation, Suresh Babu, president of Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber and Commerce said, “It is very unfortunate the government has banned other theatres and portals from online booking. All movie theatres and multiplexes should have an online ticketing facility. The government can put a tax on it if it wants but it should not monopolise the business and make it inconvenient for cinema lovers.” Joint commissioner of police (Administration) Mohan Bhagwat said, “We issue licences only on order of the government. The Home department, however, is the one which screens application forms and sends them to us to the licensing procedure.” BP Acharya, principal secretary, Home department was not available to comment on the issue.
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