Dearth of theatres restricts Pongal releases

As many as 17 Tamil films are ready but only seven of them are releasing during this Pongal. No theatres are available for the remaining ten films.

The seven films being released from Jan. 12 to 15 are:

• Vijay's Pokiri (directed by Prabhu Deva)


• Ajith's Aalwar


• Vishal's Thambirabarani


• Vijaya T. Rajendar's Veerasami


• Mani Ratnam'sGuru starring Abhishek, Aiswarya Rai and Madhavan


• Paruthi Veeran featuring debutant Karthi Shivakumar, brother of actor Surya


• Kalakkra Chandru starring Karthik

Pokiri, Aalwar and Thambirabarani are hitting the screens in many theatres. As the heroes of these films have large fan followings, posh theatres have been booked. The prints have been made available in large numbers.

Guru directed by Mani Ratnam and made originally in Hindi and dubbed in Tamil, are to be screened at Sahtyam and Ega in Chennai.

The release of ten films has been postponed till the next month for want of theatres. They are: Pachchaikili Muthucharam, Unnalae Unnale, Oram Po, Deepavali, Sabari, Kuppi, Ninaithaalae, Lakshiam Oru Thayin Aasai, Thullura Vayasu and Adavadi. The delay has come as a big disappointment to the fans of young actors like 'Jayam' Ravi and Arya.

Film Producers Council president Rama Narayanan says when there are too many films competing for space, exhibitors prefer films which are expected to be profitable. This time many big-budget films are coming out simultaneously and hence the dearth of theatres. The ten films which could not find theatres now would be released in the next four weeks. It is remarkable that 17 films are releasing over a period of one-and-a-half months.

In Chennai alone, 20 new theatres are coming up. Even theatres which have been closed, may be reopened in the situation which has changed after the Government's decision to reduce admission rates and providing many concessions. Mini-theatres with seating capacity of 300 to 400 are planned to be opened in the next six months. In places like Tiruchi and Madurai, more theatres are needed, according to Mr. Rama Narayanan.

Speaking for the distributors in general, , Chennai, Kanchi and Thiruvallur Distributors Association secretary Kalaipuli G. Sekharan is quoted as saying that they do not stand to benefit from the Government's sops. Normally in the Chengalpattu area, four or five prints were used to be released. Now the number has increased to 20. To ensure quick returns, 200-250 prints are made and distributed all over Tamil Nadu now against less than 100 prints earlier. As a result, without an increase in the number of films, the number of theatres available falls short of demand. As for as distributors are concerned, it is a loss for them. For instance, if one buys a film for Rs. 30 lakh, one shell out only Rs.10 lakh of his own money and borrows the balance Rs. 20 lakh at high interest. This problem has to be sorted out.

Some producers are of the view that if all theatres in the state provide good facilities, the number of audiences will increase as also the box-office collections. Till this happens, the present situation will continue. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Pokkiri

Vijay Pictures