Kerala govt launches e-ticketing system in theatres to tackle fake collection reports, tax evasions

The Kerala government finally implemented the e-ticketing system in the state to ensure transparency in the sale of movie tickets. The software was launched at Kairali Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, June 1. The government's new move will help prevent tax evasion by theatre owners and fake collection reports.

The software for e-ticketing facility was developed by Information Kerala Mission, an autonomous institution under Local Self Government Department. Initially the system will be implemented in theatres owned by Kerala State Film Development Corporation and later on in private theatres. Nearly 600 centres are expected to operate with this new ticketing software in the coming days. A mobile application will also be developed soon.

Though the e-ticketing facility was planned by the UDF government, the implementation got postponed several times due to the opposition from different cinema associations.

Why is it a landmark move?

Of late, Malayalam movies have started making and breaking records at the box office. It became a trend since the release of Mohanlal's Pulimurugan, which became the first Malayalam movie to enter the prestigious Rs. 150 crore club.

Check: Mohanlal's Pulimurugan review

Recently, the makers of Mammootty's The Great Father had revealed that the movie had surpassed the opening day collection of the Mohanlal-starrer at the Kerala box office. But many doubted the claim and the implementation of e-ticketing software will help to keep a track of the actual collection amount which can also be referred online. 

Read: The Great Father Review

Also, evading entertainment tax will not be possible with e-ticketing software, and the tax will go to the Local Self Government Department, while shares of theatre owners and distributors will be deposited in their bank accounts.