The recent past has been a dreadful time for the cinema industry, as for so many others - but the big screen isn't ready to vanish! Back-to-back films featuring superstars have wooed fans back to cinema halls and multiplexes in Chennai.
While Superstar Rajinikanth’s Annaatthe brought audiences back to theatres after pandemic-induced restrictions were lifted, the STR-starrer Manaadu proved how much film buffs had missed the theatre experience. Meena Chabria, an industry insider, says "The superstar factor in these recent releases was big. But it was the audience's need for a theatre experience that brought them back. They missed it and were craving it. Watching movies at home doesn't quite capture the thrill of going to the movies. The feeling of togetherness was missing and the conversations that they would have had with their friends was missing. So it's not a fluke that the multiplexes are filled.”
Theatre owners and cinema industry insiders are thrilled with the developments. Multiplexes and theatres around the country welcomed fans back with drum rolls and served sweets. In Chennai, mega cut-outs of superstars wowed movie-goers.
With Christmas and New Year coming up, many multiplexes are planning to grow their business with new strategies.
"A lot of activities are on the agenda this month,” says Meena. “In order to make the place more lively and happy, we are putting up special decorations. For Deepavali we put up great decor. For the Christmas season we are coming up with a wish tree where people can write notes about their wishes for Christmas and the New Year,” she shares.
Meena believes the Government directive that only those with double vaccinations should enter cinema theatres is a good step. She hopes things will get better when people learn to cope with the new situation.
