Lucknow PVR Cinemas Caught Overcharging Movie Tickets: Uncovering the Scam
Scam Uncovered at PVR Cinemas in Lucknow
A recent scandal has been uncovered at PVR Cinemas in Lucknow, where customers were allegedly being overcharged for movie tickets at the Saharaganj Hall in Hazratganj. A social media creator posted a video exposing how the multiplex was charging significantly higher prices at the counter compared to those listed on online booking platforms.
The Scam Unveiled
The video shared by the woman highlights her experience of trying to purchase four tickets for the latest Bollywood film, Chhaava. Initially, she checked the ticket prices on BookMyShow, where the tickets were priced at Rs 160 each, making the total cost Rs 640. After adding the convenience fee, the final amount came to Rs 758.
However, upon reaching the cinema, she found it unreasonable to pay an additional Rs 100 in convenience fees. Consequently, she decided to buy the tickets directly from the counter. To her shock, the staff at the counter quoted Rs 1,038, charging Rs 259 per ticket instead of the advertised Rs 160. When questioned about the discrepancy, the counter staff claimed that the amount included GST and other charges.
Confrontation and Resolution
Upon being challenged by the group, the counter staff appeared nervous and attempted to justify the extra charges. However, after a continued argument, the staff removed a “combo” offer that the group had not requested, reducing the bill to Rs 938. Despite this reduction, the price was still significantly higher than the original Rs 640.
After demanding a breakdown of the charges and refusing to pay any additional fees, the customer’s persistence led the counter staff to finally reveal the correct price of Rs 640. This incident exposed the illegitimate practice of overcharging customers.
Repercussions and Public Outrage
The video showcasing this scam quickly went viral, sparking outrage among viewers. Many individuals expressed their frustration and shared similar experiences of being overcharged at various PVR locations in Lucknow.
Calls for Action
In response to the widespread outrage, many people have called for a boycott of cinema halls as a means of holding them accountable for their fraudulent practices. Some have suggested that increased vigilance and awareness are necessary to prevent such scams from reoccurring.
Legal Action and Precedents
While some customers have chosen not to pursue legal action, a recent case in Bengaluru saw a man suing PVR for forcing audiences to endure 25 minutes of advertisements before a movie. The consumer court ruled this practice as an “unfair trade practice,” ordering the multiplex chain to pay damages and penalties.
In conclusion, the incident at PVR Cinemas in Lucknow serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in pricing practices within the entertainment industry. Customers are encouraged to remain vigilant and assertive in challenging any instances of overcharging or fraudulent behavior.