Movie-goers charged for tax-free Sachin biopic

Balasore: Movie buffs had a harrowing experience after they had to pay entertainment tax for watching the latest flick Sachin, A Billion Dreams at a theatre in Balasore.

The arbitrary collection of tax was opposed by people as the Bollywood biopic on cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was declared ‘tax-free’ by Odisha government on May 22.

State Finance Minister Shashi Bhushan Behera had announced the waiver of entertainment tax for the movie in theatres throughout the state as the cricket legend is a source of inspiration for the youth.

Also Read: Sachin: A Billion Dreams’ made tax-free in Odisha

According to reports, an entertainment tax of Rs 26 was collected from audiences who had to pay Rs 140 per tickets at a theatre in Balasore. The movie Sachin, a Billion Dreams was released across the state today.

“I went to watch the film at Movie Ex but I was forced to pay the entertainment tax though it was made tax free by state government which is unfortunate,” said Phalguni Sundram Biswal, an audience.

Manoj Parida, the administrative official of the theatre on the other hand claimed ignorant about the State government’s directive.

“Till now we have not received any notification in this regard. We would stop collection tax after distributors notify us,” said Parida.