Bengaluru: For years, multiplexes have faced criticism over the exorbitant prices they charge for food and beverages. Recently, a customer at a city multiplex was left flabbergasted after allegedly discovering that disposable cups were being reused to serve already expensive drinks.The incident came to light Thursday after Mithil, an Instagram user, shared a video clip claiming that his son’s cricket coach had encountered the issue at PVR Cinemas in Forum South Mall on Kanakapura Road.In the video, the customer is seen confronting multiplex staff over a stack of disposable cups that allegedly contained remnants of a soft drink. Initially, a staff member denies that the cups were already used. The customer, however, persists and demands to speak to the manager, who also denies the allegation. Although the staff offer to replace the cup and serve him a fresh beverage, the customer refuses. The video has garnered over 1.2 million views.Responding to it, Forum South Mall apologised to the customer and said the matter was being looked into. “The PVR team is currently investigating the matter, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure this is addressed,” the mall stated in its Instagram response.The incident has triggered widespread criticism from netizens, with many questioning the multiplex’s hygiene standards, particularly given the high prices charged for food and beverages. “The worst part is that they actually charge us for that used glass (sic) also,” one user commented. Another said, “This is after paying Rs 400-500 per glass (sic) for a Rs 40 beverage.”Several users also raised concerns about the potential health risks of reusing disposable cups. “Imagine if the previous person who drank has a contagious health issue!” another user commented.Some users speculated that the alleged practice could be aimed at cutting operational costs and improving profit margins. Others urged moviegoers to crush disposable cups and plates before discarding them in public places, suggesting that this would prevent them from being reused.
