The Legal Metrology Department conducted simultaneous inspections at cinema theatres in malls across Kerala on Friday following repeated complaints of customers being overcharged for food and beverages.

In Kochi, officials from the Civil Supplies and Food Safety departments also joined the inspection teams. The checks were aimed at determining whether theatres were complying with displayed prices and providing the quantities promised to customers.

Officials check prices and quantities

A Legal Metrology official said teams were checking whether food price lists were properly displayed, whether the quantities served matched what was stated and whether customers were being charged above the listed rates.

The official said the exercise was intended to determine whether consumers were being exploited and confirmed that inspections were taking place at several locations.

The department is expected to submit a report on its findings to the state government, which will decide on further action.

Water bottle pricing remains under scrutiny

Officials also referred to the state government’s 2019 decision to fix the price of a one-litre water bottle at Rs 13. The decision was challenged before the Kerala High Court, and its implementation was subsequently put on hold.

The matter remains under consideration by the court, according to the official, who noted that similar pricing concerns have also arisen at airports.

Complaints extend beyond theatre snacks

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V V Rajesh said his office had received repeated complaints about high prices for cinema tickets and food.

He also raised concerns about dynamic ticket pricing during busy periods and cited complaints involving customers allegedly paying significantly more than expected.

The mayor further highlighted the sharp difference between ticket and snack prices, referring to a reported instance in which popcorn cost considerably more than the cinema ticket.

He said the Corporation has limited authority over cinema ticket and food pricing, but the growing complaints have made the issue a matter of public concern.

The inspections have now brought renewed attention to pricing practices at cinemas and the need to ensure greater transparency for moviegoers.