The Rise and Fall of Single Screen Cinemas in India: A Cinematic Tale

10.

That's the number of people sometimes watching a show in a single screen cinema in Telangana. The daily earnings? Around ?4,000. The daily operational costs? Roughly ?11,000. The logical conclusion? Shutting down makes more economic sense, as highlighted by a recent article in the Indian Express.

The Glory Days

Once upon a time, single-screen cinemas were the lifeblood of Indian entertainment. Crowds would gather, clapping, whistling, and even dancing. The first day first show atmosphere was electric, and sometimes even 1,000 seats weren't enough to accommodate the eager viewers. Tickets would sell out, and a "Housefull" board would soon appear, leaving latecomers at the mercy of ticket scalpers.

The Decline Begins

The decline of single screen cinemas began with the advent of television in Indian households. Satellite TV brought global entertainment to people's living rooms, reducing the need to visit neighborhood cinema houses. Yet, for the latest releases, cinemas still held their ground.

Then came the VCR (Video Cassette Recorder). This device, about the size of a 15-inch laptop, allowed people to watch films at home for a fraction of the cost of a movie ticket. Illegal videotape rentals flourished, and the convenience of home viewing began to pull people away from cinemas. This was the start of what we now see with the rise of OTT (Over-the-top) platforms.

The Multiplex Revolution

Today, OTT platforms and multiplexes have largely replaced single screen cinemas. Approximately 150 single screen cinemas shut down for every 200 new multiplexes that open each year. Even though the pandemic hit multiplexes hard, the trend remains clear: people prefer the enhanced viewing experience offered by multiplexes.

A recent BookMyShow survey revealed that 90% of Indians still prefer watching movies on the big screen. But this preference is mostly for multiplexes, which offer well-maintained facilities, a variety of food and beverage options, and additional entertainment choices like shopping and bowling.

The Policy Predicament

You might wonder why single screen cinemas haven't modernized to keep up. The answer lies in restrictive policies, particularly in places like Mumbai. A 1992 rule prevents cinemas in Maharashtra from undergoing complete makeovers. They must retain a cinema hall with at least one-third of the original seating capacity, limiting their ability to diversify.

Owners are hesitant to invest in upgrades that might not solve the fundamental issue: securing films that will fill seats. Multiplexes can afford to show a mix of popular and niche films, but single screens must rely on blockbuster hits to stay afloat. This, coupled with mandates to screen a high number of regional language films, puts further strain on their finances.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Some states are beginning to recognize the need for policy changes. Uttar Pradesh, for instance, offered incentives like tax rebates and subsidized power to help single screen cinemas. Recently, they went a step further, allowing owners to demolish old cinemas and convert the land for commercial or residential use without the obligation to rebuild a cinema hall.

The Road Ahead

The plight of single screen cinemas underscores the need for more flexible government policies. Financial support and incentives are helpful, but easing redevelopment restrictions could make a significant difference. While these measures may not revive the single screen cinema industry, they could at least allow owners to move on and repurpose their properties effectively.

In conclusion, the story of single screen cinemas in India is a poignant reminder of how technological advancements and policy frameworks shape industries. By adapting to new realities and updating outdated regulations, there is hope for a balanced coexistence between the nostalgia of single screen cinemas and the modern allure of multiplexes.