"More than 90% of single screens in Hyderabad stand closed down this week for want of footfalls," said exhibitor and producer Suniel Narang on Tuesday. Sree Ramulu Theatre, one of the most prominent single screens in the city, never had to shut down the shutters. For the first time in a normal time, even it remains closed.
This situation has come about this year mainly because, after Sankranthi, no movie has earned profits. Ustaad Bhagat Singh and Biker were disasters. Dacoit was average. Small films have been a washout.
The situation didn't become this bad overnight. In the Telugu States, in the last 10 years, about 1400 single screens have shut down. The proliferation of OTTs has been a deathknell.
"Everyone in the industry says the situation is not good for them. Multiplexes are introducing new technologies and modern facilities, but we are unable to provide similar facilities in single-screen theatres. If modern features like Dolby are available, audiences will definitely come to single-screen theatres as well. If single-screen theatres shut down, it will be a loss for producers and distributors too," Suniel Narang added.
Exhibitors don't want the rental system, because they have been made to pay fixed rents regardless of footfalls. Banners such as Geetha Arts, Sri Venkateswara Creations, Suresh Productions, and Asian Cinemas have been open to the percentage system. "We hope the others will also join soon. Across the country, films are being exhibited under the percentage system. We have no hostility toward anyone. If the percentage system is followed, we will continue running theatres. Otherwise, we may be forced to shut them down," said Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce Secretary Sridhar.
