Camera phones are new threat in theatres

Tollywood exhibitors who are worried over depleting footfalls in theatres and dipping collections have found a new threat to their business. “Camera phones carried by viewers have become a new menace for exhibitors and producers,” says producer Lagadapati Sridhar, who admits that footfalls in theatres are falling alarmingly in recent past. “Telugu films are witnessing lesser turnouts at theaters besides we have to compete with Hollywood, Bollywood movies besides engaging content on OTT, so audiences have varied choices for entertainment,” he adds.

He urges 1000-odd exhibitors in two Telugu states to impose strict action against violators who leak the content of a movie in bits and parts through their status on mobile phones and other social media platforms. “Youngsters tend to put up status and stuff but we need to restrict their filming and avoid major leaks which otherwise could ruin the charm of a big ticket film. We need to take tough action against youngsters who are indulging in wrong practices and curb this new-age menace,” adds Sridhar.

However, exhibitor Vijayenderreddy, who runs a theatre in Miryalaguda claims that it would be difficult to control crowds with limited staff members.“For instance, our staff members in a theatre would be 10 to 12 members, whereas the crowds would be more than 500 to 600 members in certain theaters. Hence, it would be a challenge to curb youngsters who come in 15 to 20 groups who don’t bother to listen to our staff,” says Reddy, who was also former president of Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce.

“Five years ago, piraters would come to theatres hiding their professional video cameras in bags and stuff. They used to record the film and upload it on rogue sites which dented film collections. However, the latest mobile users are not so professional enough and they capture the songs, fights and content of a film in wrong angles.Even if they upload, the clippings look odd and amateurish and don't hold interest of viewers. We are a bit safe in this aspect, but still we need to find a method to regulate it in the days to come,” he reasons.

One suggestion by Lagapadati Sridhar is that viewers should be alert in theaters and urges them to caution management staff, if someone is canning a film with his camera. “Then the staff could come and stop the particular individual without much fuss. It is one good option at this point of time,” he informs.

Summing up the argument, another exhibitor on condition of anonymity says, “These days, loyal audiences to theatres are college boys, girls and youngsters so we can’t annoy them by restricting their mobile phone usage. Nor can we have lockers to collect hundreds of mobile phones like temples and stuff. So, we need to find a balancing act to curb this menace without hurting our viewers,”