SCREEN SHOT

SUNDAY SPECIAL
SCREEN SHOT
Multiplexes are the hot new destinations for moviegoers. Sunday Times looks at what makes them so popular
Aarthi R | TNN


This movie hall on Residency Road, once known to have the biggest screen in Bangalore, opened in 1971 with a seating capacity of 1,012. Today, Galaxy is a fading memory, cherished by some dedicated theatre-goers. It’s not alone, for this seems to be state of many well-known theatres in Bangalore.
Flip open the telephone directory and try calling any of the theatres in the city and don’t be surprised to hear this message — ‘The number you have dialled does not exist’. Often, not just the number, the theatre itself no longer exists.
Attribute it to the increasing popularity of multiplexes or the rising demand for land, thanks to various development projects like the Metro Rail, the number of theatres across the city has slowly come down. And multiplexes have filled the gaps quite smoothly, dramatically changing the entertainment scene.
For, moviegoing is becoming just one part of the entertainment experience, with perhaps window-shopping or dining thrown in for good measure, all at the same mall, rather convenient in a traffic-choked city. And with tickets available through tele-booking or online, customer is obviously king.
“I remember the ‘70s when it was boom time for single screen theatres in Bangalore. Almost everyone wanted to start a theatre. Now, it is the same boom time for multiplexes” says Suresh, who once owned Galaxy theatre.
He believes multiplexes are welcome and surely a boon for the cinema industry. “The advantages of multiplexes over theatre are many, not just the number of screens — good food, multiple screens, less space requirements, better online support for people and fewer rats (as many people put it!). But, being a hardcore movie buff, I still enjoy the big screen experience in theatres though I also make it a point to be among the multiplying multiplex crowd” he says.
Suresh is just one among many in the city who may miss theatre-going but do enjoy the multiplex experience. The first one was the Innovative Multiplex in Marathahalli and many others followed suit. Today, we have more than five brands which have successfully set up multiplexes in various parts of Bangalore, the latest being Fame Cinemas launched in January this year.
So, what makes multiplexes so popular? Factors range from variable ticket prices, parking space, multiple screens, good food and quality entertainment. “Despite the high ticket price, I find it quite safe going to late-night movies at multiplexes as they are usually in malls where there are many people even late at night. And thanks to the tickets priced quite high, people who come in ensure they make good use of the money by watching the movie, and
not indulging in mischief !” says Spandana (name changed), who works at a PR firm.
With the success of their pilot launch in the city, many groups are also looking at multiplying their establishments. One such is Fame Cinemas, which is also setting up the much-talked about cineplex (single screen multiplex) where once Symphony existed, later renamed as Shankar Nag Chitramandira, on M G Road.
One exception to several theatres which have given way to commercial complexes or multiplexes is Rex Theatre on Brigade Road. “Who said theatres are not expensive? The charges at Rex go as high as Rs 180 on weekends but then its location makes it a winner,” says S Uttamchand Mutha, a cinegoer.
Of course, some Bangaloreans still continue with regular weekly visits to the theatres in their locality. “My week is incomplete without enjoying a movie at a theatre in my area (Majestic), sitting in the first row whistling and waving. I feel multiplexes have a rather silent crowd. Being an auto driver, I have to think twice before spending on entertainment that costs me a few hundreds of rupees when I have to take my family too,” says Manju.
But, the options available at multiplexes and overall comfort of moviegoing are drawing in the crowds. With more coming up, obviously they’re here to stay.
TICKET PRICE Morning show relatively low Rs 60 to Rs 80 High on weekends Rs 200 for normal class Comparitively more For new, hyped and hit films