With no consensus so far,multiplexes face tough times ahead
All this while,they were bouncing on a safety net. First,the IPL. Then came a month-long period of exams. Rising temperatures too kept a lot of janta indoors. And luckily,these couple of weeks werent really booked for a mega release. According to trade sources,major activity begins in May-June,and its during this time that the producers and multiplexes simply cant afford to continue with their stubborn lockdown. Films like Kaminay,New York,Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani,Aashayein et al are awaiting release. With Akshay Kumars Kambhakt Ishq slated for a May end release,everyone had their hopes pinned on Tuesdays meeting between the multiplex owners and producers. It was supposed to work out,but it didnt and we wont give up till our demands our met, Mukesh Bhatt from the Producers Guild of India is adamant. Legitimate,ethical right,else no release, he informs that hes letting the multiplex owners take their time to reach a rational conclusion. Im done with the blame game. While they work out something,well be working on alternate plans and strategies. Well go ahead with single screen releases, says Bhatt.
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In the meantime,now playing at a multiplex near you is passé phrase. Parking lots wear a deserted look. Ticket counters dont buzz. The halls are empty,and canteen foods getting stale. All over India,the estimated loss per week for multiplexes has been calculated at Rs 9 crore, says a source. Scoot to any of these – Fun Cinemas,Fame,PVR,Big Cinemas,DT,and they stand dry and dull. Shows have been either cancelled or reduced,weve done away with late night shows for the time being, adds the source. Managers at DT and Fun Cinemas inform about the setbacks to business. We hardly have a 15 to 20 per attendance, they say. At PVR,English movies have been brought in,but that also doesnt help. However,if we look at the bright side of this lockdown,then flops like Tasveer,Aloo Chaat and Jag Jeondeyan De Mele have done decent business because these are the only films running! laughs Devendra Gusain,assistant manager (operations) at Big Cinemas. While there was news of releasing hit films on single screens,Vinay Gambhir,Batra Cinemas manager says no intimation of this sort has come their way. Why would they want to and who would watch these? The television is showing everything he makes a valid point. With DVDs,especially the pirated ones easily available,there is no incentive for cinegoer. Does something like a cinegoer exist anymore? Till the multiplexes dont bring down ticket and snack rates,no one will flock to the cinemas to watch a film, reflects Sunny Deol.
The situation is grim,with 10-15 per cent shows being cancelled every day and ticket and snack sales down to single digit percentile. Also,theres a blanket gag order on talking to the media. Reportedly,theres another meeting soon,lets hope they release something! .
