With no major Telugu or Hindi blockbusters set to release this summer, single-screen theatres across Telangana have made the tough decision to halt operations for a period of 10 days. Beginning this Friday, these theatres will cease movie screenings in an effort to mitigate escalating financial losses.
Speaking to the media, Vijayender Reddy, President of the Film Exhibitors Association, highlighted a significant drop in audience attendance as one of the primary reasons for this temporary closure. “We have observed a noticeable decline in footfalls, primarily due to the absence of any major big-budget movies,” Reddy explained.
Adding to the woes, the easy access to a wide array of content on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, coupled with the excitement surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and the ongoing elections, has further dwindled the occupancy in theatres. This trifecta of content alternatives and distractions has presented a considerable challenge for single-screen theatre owners in maintaining steady attendance.
The financial ramifications of running these theatres under current conditions are severe, with operational costs far surpassing box-office collections. In Telangana, there are approximately 250 single-screen theatres, including around 100 in Hyderabad alone. While some multiplexes have opted to reduce the number of shows, smaller theatres find themselves compelled to stop screenings altogether to avoid further losses.
The decision to close theatres will be reevaluated after 10 days. Theatre management will reassess the situation to determine whether resuming operations is viable. However, Reddy noted that a majority of theatres are unlikely to reopen even after this period, as an immediate improvement in the situation is not anticipated. The prolonged wait is attributed to the upcoming movies featuring major stars, which are still under production. This delay necessitates patience from theatre owners who are hopeful for a revival in the future.
Reddy mentioned that if producers step up to assist theatre owners in managing their operational costs, an earlier reopening could be possible. However, until such support is extended, theatres will remain closed, aggravating the uncertainty surrounding the near future of single-screen cinemas in the region.
The movie lineup set to be impacted by this cessation of screenings includes several anticipated releases. Hindi films “Bhaiyya Ji” and “Barah By Barah,” both slated for a May 24 release, face the immediate brunt of this decision. Additionally, if theatre owners prolong this shutdown beyond the initial 10 days, Telugu films “Gangs of Godavari” and “Harom Hara,” scheduled for release on May 31, may also encounter disruptions.
While the primary focus is on financial sustainability, the cultural implications of empty theatres cannot be overlooked. Single-screen theatres have long been a cornerstone of cinematic experience, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas of Telangana. The temporary closure of these theatres does not only imply economic strain but also a disruption in the local entertainment ecosystem, which relies heavily on the cinematic culture.
Various stakeholders in the film industry are now keeping a close watch on this development. How and when the theatres decide to reopen will serve as a litmus test for the resilience of the single-screen theatre model in an age increasingly dominated by digital and diversified entertainment options. The broader implications for the film exhibition industry may hinge on the outcome of this 10-day hiatus, and by extension, the long-term trends dictated by audience behavior and content consumption patterns.
The shutdown also instigates a broader discussion on the future of single-screen theatres in India. As multiplexes and online streaming platforms continue to gain ground, the survival of single-screen theatres is in a precarious position. This period of temporary closure could potentially serve as a critical turning point, urging theatre owners, producers, and possibly even policymakers to rethink strategies for sustaining the traditional mode of film viewing.
While the immediate future remains uncertain, the theatre owners across Telangana are hopeful that this tough decision will pave the way for a more sustainable operational model, hopefully aligned with the evolving preferences of modern-day audiences. The next 10 days will be closely observed by everyone involved in the film exhibition industry, as they navigate through this challenging phase with the hope of a more promising horizon.
