Kannada movies in border taluk open to empty seats

Fearing losses, theatre owners screen films of other languages

 Screening of Kannada films during November is mandatory in film houses across Karnataka.

But there are not much takers for Kannada films in this border district as the film houses in the town have had empty seats since November 2.

The two theatres in this taluk headquarters screened Kannada films on November 1 and 2 to mark Rajyotsava. But only a few people turned up.

Fearing losses, the owners of the theatres are considering options to show movies of other languages. Besides, today, almost all the channels show at least four films every day. Hence, the number of audience at the theatres has dropped.

At the Venkateshwara theatre in the town, a Kannada film was screened for four shows on November 1 and even on the next day.

At the Raghavendra theatre, the newly-released film ‘Kathariveera Surasundarangi’ starring Upendra and Ramya on four shows. Even this did not attract many audience, it is said.

Upset over such a poor response, the theatre owners are turning to movies of other languages to ensure their safe deposit.

“Screening of Kannada movies in November is mandatory in the State and the films must showcase Karnataka’s language, culture, tradition and its people,” National College’s Kannada Department professor A K Ningappa told Deccan Herald.

The taluk, that borders the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, has a majority of Telugu-speaking people here among Kannadigas.

Showing movies during the month is a welcome approach but the theatre houses need to change the show timings to encourage the audience here, observed Manoharachari.