Mumbai Theatre Rent Hike: Shiv Sena Demands BMC Rollback Over Rising Costs

Protesting against the recent hike in rental charges for theatres operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, where Marathi plays and cultural programmes are regularly hosted, the Shiv Sena has urged the civic administration to roll back the decision. Highlighting the concerns of producers and event organisers, Amey Ghole, the party’s group leader in the civic body, submitted a letter to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide seeking immediate reconsideration. The BMC follows a policy of increasing theatre rent by 10 per cent annually, and from April 1, 2026, organisers saw an additional burden of Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per show, intensifying financial pressure on cultural activities.

The matter has also been taken up by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, which warned that higher rental charges could force venues to transfer the added cost to audiences, thereby endangering the sustainability of regional theatre. Sharing industry concerns, Raju Patodkar told Mid-Day that Marathi theatre already struggles with limited audiences, many of whom find even Rs 500 tickets expensive. He added that organisers face rising operational costs such as air-conditioning while competing with cinema halls, and fluctuating rent based on show timings, weekends, and seating capacity further complicates matters. With declining demand, even staging 25 shows is now seen as a major achievement, making financial relief essential.

Echoing similar concerns, Amey Ghole told Mid-Day that rationalising theatre rent is vital to ensure the survival of Marathi theatre and performance art, as he has formally conveyed the issues raised by organisers to the administration. Several well-known venues such as Ravindra Natya Mandir, Shri Shivaji Mandir, Yashwant Natya Mandir, and Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha are among the prominent theatres affected by the revised rates. Currently, ticket prices for Marathi plays typically range between Rs 150 and Rs 500, and any further increase could make it harder for audiences to access regional cultural performances.