Now, take your own food items inside multiplexes, decides Maharashtra government as 'MNS Style' protest pays dividends

In what could be a very popular decision though not with multiplex operators, the Maharashtra government has announced that moviegoers would henceforth be allowed to carry food items along with them in cinema halls and multiplexes.

The announcement has been made by food supply minister Ravindra Chavan, who has also said that action will be taken on anyone who stops people from taking food items in the theatres.

There can't be two different price rates for one product, Chavan said, justifying the decision while replying to a question posed to him in the Maharashtra Vidhan Parishad.

The decision comes just two weeks after a condemnable incident in Pune where members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were caught on camera resorting to goondaism, intimidation and assault against an employee of a multiplex over the high prices of food items there. Following that, the assaulter justified his action by citing the assaulted staff-member's tone of voice. He added that party workers would deal with the matter surrounding high prices of food items Just a week after that, in a marked escalation, top management of the multiplex met with MNS chief Raj Thackeray and discussed the incident along with addressing the pricing of food items in the theatre. 

WATCH: Is This Your Navnirman, Raj? Internet Flays MNS After Coward Goons Bully, Intimidate And Assault Theatre Worker

After the meeting, the MNS issued a statement saying that the multiplex owners have agreed to reduce the prices of popcorn, tea, mineral water and other food items. 

Giving the highlights of the meeting, Amey Khopkar, President of MNS Chitrapat Sena said,"Prices of food items that are sold inside the theatre like popcorn, tea, mineral water, samosas and coffee will be reduced according to the price range affordable for a middle-class household. Within seven days, the multiplex will release the circular of revised rates for all its member."

Furthermore, the leader also heaped praises on his party workers for highlighting the issue and bring it into public notice. 

"I appreciate the efforts of my party workers for highlighting the issue. This is not the end of this protest. I assure the citizens that if the theatre authorities fail to take action, the party will continue the protest and this time in a greater fashion", he added.  

Republic TV has reached out to multiplex associations for their views on this decision over one of their primary means of revenue. It will be posted here as and when it arrives.