Sampige Theatre.
Credit: DH photo
Bengaluru: Yet another landmark of the pre-IT Bengaluru is on the brink of ceding ground to the changing times. The owners of Sampige Theatre, a prominent single-screen cinema in Malleswaram, are contemplating putting it up for sale after nearly five decades of operation, owing to mounting financial challenges that have made it difficult to run it in a smooth way. However, they do not plan on stopping the shows at Sampige Theatre anytime soon.
Opened in 1975, it has been a cherished landmark. With a seating capacity of 1,080, the theatre now struggles to attract new films and generate sufficient revenue. Ticket prices, ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 150, and occasionally rising to Rs 200 for major releases, have not been enough to offset maintenance costs, Ramesh Nadubeedi Venkatesh, a partner in the theatre’s ownership, told DH.
"It is very hard to maintain. Films hardly come, revenue is less, and the percentages we get don’t cover costs," he said, adding that the future use of the land remains uncertain.
Rajkumar, Rajinikanth have watched films here
The theatre began its journey with the screening of Makkala Bhagya, a 1976-film, and has hosted some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, including Rajkumar and Rajinikanth. "We have had Rajkumar with his entire family and even Rajinikanth watch premiere shows in our theatre. Almost all the big names have visited us," said Ramesh.
Sampige Theatre's proposed sale reflects a larger trend affecting single-screen cinemas across the city. However, the owner clarified that there were no current plans to sell Savitha Theatre, another single-screen cinema under the same ownership in Malleswaram.
Vijay, who works nearby, said maintaining a large single-screen theatre in a prime location is impractical given parking issues and competition from places like Mantri Mall, which offers multiplexes, ample parking, and shopping.
Last of the single-screen theatres
Ravi Kumar, manager of Srinivasa Theatre in Padmanabhanagar, said that at present, only about 80 single-screen theatres remain in the city. Over the past 30 years, approximately 40 to 50 theatres have disappeared, a decline further accelerated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He told DH about how over-the-top (OTT) platforms and multiplexes have impacted single-screen theatres. "The rise of multiplexes and streaming platforms has diverted middle-class audiences, while rapid OTT releases reduce theatre footfall," he said.
While delaying OTT premieres and upgrading facilities could help sustain theatres, Kumar noted that challenges like the long production cycles of films make the situation worse. Despite renovations, including better sound quality and other facilities, consistent attendance remains difficult.