Movie ticket prices were always lower in Noida than in Delhi, attracting a section of the Delhi audience too.

And now, our Noida neighbours can watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan for ridiculously low rates, since the UP government has made the film tax-free in that state. Cinema halls in Noida have been crowded with Bajrangi fans since Monday, making a beeline for tickets that are now 40% cheaper than before. Never mind that it's been 10 days since the film released - the movie has been running houseful. And Noida's cinema hall owners say that even though the rates were implemented late, the film will enjoy a good run, with cine-goers watching it multiple times because of slashed prices.

Tickets are 40% cheaper now Yogesh Raizada, corporate head, Wave Cinemas, says, "We had to wait for the government's letter, and even our Lucknow officials didn't get any notification. We can't reduce the price on our own. So we had to wait till Monday. Now, the tickets will be 40% cheaper."

Tinku Singh, group president and chief strategy officer, SRS Cinemas, says, "On Saturday night, we got a letter from the government authority to remove entertainment tax fromBajrangi Bhaijaan,and simultaneously got instructions from our Lucknow office. We know that the announcement was made last week, but the notification took time to reach our office. Otherwise, the weekend shows would have gotten a massive response. Even now, not only Noidawallahs, but people from Delhi and Gurgaon will also travel to Noida-Ghaziabad to watch the film."

Producers applaud government's move

Film industry insiders are all praise for the UP government for taking this step. Mukesh Bhatt, president, National Guild of Producers, says, "We applaud the UP government's step. It will make the film affordable for the audience. Unlike Delhi, UP government has provided tax exemptions a number of times, which is a healthy sign for the growth of our industry in the state."

Not only producers, but distributors are also applauding the move. Joginder Mahajan, a distributor, says, "Tax exemptions are one of the reasons why the profit of cinema halls is higher in UP as compared to Delhi. And that becomes more evident when you compare the slashed ticket rates of Noida to the current ticket rates in Delhi - the difference is more than Rs 150-180."

Paid Rs 800 in Delhi, now ticket prices are just Rs 90 in Noida

Salman fans say that now they can watch the movie multiple times, without thinking about the budget. Bhavan Arora, a corporate lawyer, says, "For me, it was first day, first show. But I paid Rs 800 (gold-class, first-day, first-show) for the ticket in PVR Select City Walk, and now the rates are as low as Rs 90 in Noida!Itna sasta multiplex ticket toh maine socha bhi nahin tha.I think I will go for the film again now. I'm sure the film will run for another two-three weeks,toh main har week ek-do shows dekh hi loonga!"

Shimit Singh, a DU student, adds, "I loved Salman, I loved the film, and I loved Munni. I watched the film at PVR Sangam in Delhi and paid Rs 350 for the night show. I have no regrets because it's worth it. Now that the rates have been slashed, I will watch two-three more shows."