Bookmyshow running losses in Maha

Bookmyshow.com, the popular online booking website, has said that its service is presently running losses in Maharashtra.

Those of you who prefer to book movie tickets online should brace yourselves for some stumbling blocks.

Bookmyshow.com, the popular online booking website, has said that its service is presently running losses in Maharashtra.

The website revealed this while raising objections to a recent government order.

The order, issued in April 2013 by the revenue and forest department of Maharashtra, says that no additional charge can be levied on the sale of movie tickets online.

Most websites currently charge an internet handling fee or convenience fee to the price of the ticket.

While the order applies to all online booking facilities (such as PVR and Big Cinemas) that run operations in the state, Bookmyshow, who runs a thirdparty service, challenged it, claiming that convenience fee is their only source of revenue, without which it would not be feasible to run operations in the state.

The matter is presently sub-judice.

“We’re losing money every day. The only reason we haven’t pulled out is so as to not inconvenience users,” said Ashish Hemrajani, CEO, Bookmyshow.

Exhibitors, owners and agents come under the purview of the government order.

“Theatres don’t pay us. And we’re not an agency or a multiplex. Besides, websites such as msrtc.gov.in and irctc.co.in and all flight-booking services also charge a convenience fee,” said Hemrajani, adding that “our final recourse will be the Supreme Court”.