Camera phones are new threat in theatres

Tollywood exhibitors worried about depleting theatre footfalls 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 theatre footfalls have dropped alarmingly recently. "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 challenging to curb youngsters in 15 to 20 groups who don't bother to listen to our staff," says Reddy, 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 professional enough, and they capture the songs, fights, and content of a film from the wrong angles. Even if they upload, the clippings look odd and amateurish and don't interest viewers. We are a bit safe in this aspect, but still, we need to find a method to regulate it in the coming days," 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 stop the particular individual without much fuss. It is one good option at this point," 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. So, we need to find a balancing act to curb this menace without hurting our viewers."