New Delhi, Dec. 2 -- Urban, youth-centric films such as Saiyaara and F1: The Movie are setting cinema cash registers ringing, bringing returns for multiplexes that are trying to attract audiences with discounts and buy-one-get-one offers. However, there is a downside to this trend: lower spending by individuals on food and beverages.

Multiplex chain PVR Inox reported a 1.4% dip in spend-per-head year-on-year for the second quarter of FY26, which means audiences, especially youngsters, may be lured by discounted tickets or niche love stories and social dramas, but cannot afford the exorbitantly priced F&B.

Even non-national chains and independent theatres say that the absence of family-friendly, universally appealing films leads to a dro...