Seeking to boost the multiplex industry, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), has called for standardising and upgrading cinema rules, under a Central Uniform Cinema Code, applicable across the country.

According to FICCI, antiquated cinema regulations and a complicated tax regime, pose a grave challenge to the industry. The federation has announced the removal of restrictions on pricing and the number of film shows from 8-1.30 am.

It has also urged all states to permit computerised ticketing and reduce entertainment taxes to 16 percent across the country.

According to data obtained by FICCI, India has considerably fewer number of movie screens, per million of its population, as compared with the US. While India has 12 screens per million, US has 117 screens per million, thus creating a shortfall of approximately 40,000 screens in the country.

According to FICCI, regulations and taxation on cinema exhibition are dealt with, by State Governments resulting in variations and complications.