Multiplexes evoke good response, registers 80% occupancy

With the state government allowing 100% occupancy in cinema theatres from Friday, there was a good response from film lovers of Mysuru city. Multiplexes saw almost 80% occupancy.

While multiplexes started functioning, single screen theatres of Mysuru city, remained closed, with the tug-of-war between Karnataka Film Exhibitors’ Federation (KFEF) and producers.

However, a few theatres opened in Mandya, Hassan and Chamarajanagar districts, with 100% seating capacity, though there was not much response.

The state government, after much persuasion by representatives of the film industry, agreed for 100% seating capacity in theatres, on Wednesday evening. However, it will be on trial for four weeks. The government will take a decision after a month, based on the outcome.

It may be mentioned that the Karnataka government allowed the theatres to function only with 50% audience, even though the Union government had allowed the states to take a decision on cinema halls functioning with full capacity.

DRC multiplex in the city registered 80% occupancy on Friday. Three Kannada films are screened in the multiplex and there is a good response for two films, said Vaishali Hanumanth Padki, Promoter of DRC Cinemas.

Speaking to DH, Vaishali said that it has come as a big relief, not only to multiplex owners, but for the film industry as a whole. The industry suffered a setback since the theatres were closed on March 13, after the breakout of Covid pandemic. The government later allowed 50% occupancy in theatres from October 15, with standard operating procedures.

As recommended, multiplexes are following the digital mode of payment for tickets. For those who buy tickets offline, their contact details are procured. Besides, it is ensured that all wear masks while on the premises. The theatre is sanitised after every show, Vaishali said. Other multiplexes - Inox and Mysuru Vision - too received good audience.

M R Rajaram of Gayathri Talkies opined that the KFEF has proposed a new percentage module to bail out theatre owners.

“The exhibitor sector is a major contributor for the growth of Karnataka film industry over the years. Yet it is the most neglected one. A large number of cinema theatres have closed down. Many more will close, if immediate change in the business model is not done,” he opined.

While three theatres Padma, Balaji Deluxe and Mahadeshwara opened on Friday, eight main theatres remain closed, extending support to the federation, he said.

A few theatres have resumed functioning in Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Hassan districts, but the response was poor. While Sanjay and Gurushree theatres have opened in Mandya, Prithvi in Hassan, two theatres in Chamarajanagar and one in Kollegal have started functioning.