Mumbai: With big banners giving multiplexes the miss, political parties are filling in the empty spaces.
"Multiplexes are interesting places to advertise because a multiplex audience is very young. Normally we wouldn't get this space, but since there are no films releasing, it was easier," says Madhav Bhandari, Spokesperson, BJP.
With the multiplexes versus producers tussle showing no sign of ending anytime soon, for the multiplexes renting out these hoardings brings in added income.
So far at least four multiplexes, Fame, PVR, Cinemax and Fun Republic have started renting out space.
- A 6x6 hoarding costs anywhere between Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per month
- A 10x12 banners costs between 80,000 and Rs 1,00,000 per month
Also, with no new Bollywood trailers, ads of political parties are getting an airing. The cost, for a 30 second film is between 25,000 to 40,000 a week.
Though multiplexes refuse to quote any specific figures, sources confirm that political parties are paying at least 10 per cent more than regular brands for ad space.
So at a time when revenue has taken a big hit, multiplexes have some to thank politicians for other than of course the 5 year tax holiday.