“Snacks cost more than the movie”: Actor Nikhil Siddhartha slams theatre prices

Tollywood actor Nikhil Siddhartha has raised concern over the soaring food prices at cinemas, saying he spent more on snacks than the ticket. His post has sparked strong support from moviegoers urging for price reforms.

Hyderabad: In a country where watching a film in theatres was once a family ritual, rising prices have slowly turned it into a luxury. Tollywood actor Nikhil Siddhartha, best known for his role in Karthikeya, has now raised a strong voice against the soaring costs at cinemas, especially the food and beverage rates that are leaving the audience frustrated.

Taking to social media platform X, Nikhil shared his recent experience where he ended up spending more money on snacks than on the actual movie ticket. Highlighting what he called “insane” prices of popcorn and cool drinks, the actor urged distribution circles to address the issue and make cinema more accessible again.

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He didn’t stop there. “At least allow us to carry our own water bottles into theatres,” he wrote, echoing a demand that many regular moviegoers have long voiced.

High Ticket Rates Should be capped.. but the bigger issue is Selling PopCorn and CoolDrinks at Insane prices.. i watched a recent film in a theatre and was shocked i spent more money on snacks than the actual Movie.
I Request the Distribution circles to please address this… pic.twitter.com/csJv9KQ5rb

— Nikhil Siddhartha (@actor_Nikhil) July 19, 2025

The post struck a chord instantly. From students to families, followers poured in with comments agreeing with his concern. Many pointed out that the high ticket rates combined with overpriced snacks are pushing the middle-class audience away from theatres and hurting box office numbers in the long run.

While industry experts have often debated pricing models, Nikhil’s comments bring a renewed spotlight on a long-standing issue. As theatres continue to battle for footfalls in the post-pandemic landscape, the bigger question is, will exhibitors finally listen?