HYDERABAD: It's a double treat for movie buffs. With the State Government announcing a waiver of entertainment tax (ET) on the super hit Hindi movie `Lage Raho Munnabhai', cinema theatre managements are gearing up to screen special shows for educational institutions and multi-national companies (MNCs) at reduced ticket prices.

Though the Government has decided to waive tax with immediate effect because the movie is spreading Gandhian ideals, the managements are yet to receive the orders explaining the per cent of ET deducted on the film.

At present, they are paying 20 per cent of ET on Hindi movies. If the Government waives 20 per cent of ET on this film, then viewers can buy tickets at a lesser price.

`Welcome move'

"A viewer can get a balcony ticket at Sangeet 70 mm for Rs.26 against its actual price of Rs.35," explains theatre proprietor S.S. Misra.

The Maharashtra Government has already announced tax exemption. He says it is a welcome move by the Government.

"Every second person is discussing this movie.

Those who have not visited cinema halls for the last eight years are watching the film now.

This shows the amount of curiosity generated among the audience," says Mr. Misra.

Packed houses

With `Gandhigiri' conveyed in the film is fast catching up, all the six theatres in the city are screening the film to packed houses. Many MNCs are providing tickets for the employees during weekend holidays.

"Response to the film at our booking counter meant for corporate offices is tremendous," says Prasads IMAX General Manager A. Vasanth Prasad.

Special shows

He says they are planning to organise special shows for educational institutions, especially schools, to propagate Gandhian principles among children.

"We are also planning to contact some institutions to hold special shows separately for children," adds Mr. Prasad.

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