One of the most eagerly anticipated films of 2025, F1 The Movie, is set to hit cinemas on Friday, June 27. In a bid to capitalize on the excitement, the studio has organized paid previews in select IMAX theaters across the country. As soon as the advance bookings opened, tickets began selling rapidly. However, the steep ticket prices have left many fans in shock.
The excitement surrounding F1 The Movie is palpable, yet the cost of experiencing it in IMAX has raised eyebrows. In the Delhi-NCR region, for instance, the average ticket price for the previews is a staggering Rs. 1350, leaving many patrons feeling the pinch.
High Costs in Delhi-NCR
The paid previews, held exclusively in IMAX theaters, naturally come with a higher price tag. However, the rates for F1 The Movie have surpassed even the typical weekend prices in some locations. Fans in Delhi-NCR were particularly taken aback when bookings initially opened only at PVR Ambience Gurugram and PVR Select City Walk Delhi, where ticket prices start at Rs. 1000.
At PVR Ambience Gurugram, ticket prices range from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1400, while at PVR Select City Walk Delhi, prices are Rs. 1200 for normal and lounger seats, Rs. 1300 for the ‘Xtra Legroom’ section, and a steep Rs. 2000 for recliners. Fortunately, PVR Superplex Logix Noida offers a more affordable option, with normal tickets priced at Rs. 600 and recliners at Rs. 1200.
Nationwide Ticket Pricing
The trend of high prices is not limited to Delhi-NCR. In other IMAX theaters across India, the cost for paid previews exceeds even the highest weekend rates. For instance, Inox Malad Mumbai offers tickets at Rs. 610, Rs. 700, and Rs. 770, compared to the highest weekend rate of Rs. 620. Similarly, Inox Kolkata is charging Rs. 680 against a weekend rate of Rs. 580, and Inox Kochi is pricing tickets at Rs. 700, Rs. 750, and Rs. 800, against a weekend rate of Rs. 600.
Fortunately, some cinemas like PVR Lower Parel, Miraj IMAX Wadala, Inox Chennai, PVR Nexus Bengaluru, and Cinepolis Bengaluru have kept their preview pricing consistent with weekend rates, offering some relief to eager moviegoers.
Fan Excitement and Future Prospects
As of Sunday, June 22, F1 The Movie paid previews are scheduled in 13 IMAX properties across India, with an average ticket price of approximately Rs. 798.44. Despite the high costs, the excitement is undeniable, with expectations of sold-out shows by Wednesday. The IMAX Chennai show is already fully booked, four days in advance.
“The average ticket price across all these cinemas is approximately Rs. 798.44.”
The fervor surrounding the film suggests that additional shows may be added, though it remains to be seen what their pricing will be. The anticipation for F1 The Movie highlights both the allure and the financial burden of experiencing blockbuster films in premium formats.
As fans eagerly await the release, the conversation around ticket pricing continues to be a hot topic, reflecting broader trends in the film industry where premium experiences come at a premium price.
