'Single Screen Theatres in India will never die'

The Western world saw the multiplex boom in the 90s, but it's India where the largest number of cinema multiplexes is coming up in the 21st century. 'Over a period of time, single screen theatres will die a natural death,' some of them say on a triumphant note. But Akshaye Rathi, who owns a family business of single screens in India, Rathi Group of Cinemas, argues there's a resurrection of the single screens in the country and the experience of enjoying a movie in single screen theatres is unmatchable. He writes a very interesting article in London-based film site iefilmi.com.

"We screened the blockbuster movie 'Krrish' in our chain’s Raj talkies in the city of Raipur in the central state of Chhatisgarh. I was at the cinema hall to supervise the release as it was a major event. It was mid June, and it was raining heavily in the region. As a customary practice for the so-called big movies in our part of the country, we had planned screenings, beginning from 6 in the morning on the day of the release! In spite of the heavy rainfall, we were pleasantly surprised to see people walking in with their raincoats in large numbers to catch the flick!

"In no time, we had the ‘House Full’ board up at the box office! From the very first scene where film star Hrithik Roshan makes an entry, racing with a horse till the end credits started to roll on the screen, we had a packed house of more than 1120 people whistling, clapping and cheering by throwing their raincoats up in the air in delight! What could have been a better sight for a film exhibitor than this!

"The bigger the mob the greater the thrill. The audience reacts with huge enthusiasm collectively in single screen cinema halls, making the experience completely unique and exciting. The applause is roaring. On the other hand, even the funniest scene in a movie, screening in a multiplex, manages a mild laughter, which sometimes sounds like a big whisper, " writes Rathi. For more of his article please go to iefilmi.com