Single screen theatres in Gujarat stare at uncertain future post lockdown

Once bustling hotspots for all cinema lovers , single screen theatres in Gujarat saw a steep downfall over the years with many closing down amidst plummeting footfalls and rising maintenance costs. A competitive multiplex market, aspirational value of cinema watching as an experience and flourishing OTT platforms only made the survival of single screen theatres more difficult.

And now the COVID-19 pandemic and a nationwide lockdown might just prove to be the last blow to many already struggling single screen theatres in Gujarat. While several single screen theatre owners believe that adequate support from the state government, revision of GST rates and film distribution policy might help delay the inevitable, the future looks bleak for single screen theatres across the state.
‘HUGE MAINTENANCE COSTS & NO BUSINESS DURING THE LOCKDOWN HAVE MADE THE GOING TOUGH’

Closed for more than two months now, rising maintenance costs coupled with no business have been a worrying sign for the exhibitors. Even as the lockdown is being eased, multiplexes and single screen theatres will continue to remain closed till May 31, according to the latest guidelines. “There has been no business for two months, but we still have to pay salaries to our employees. Post lockdown, we have to sanitise the premises and do maintenance work which will involve expenditure. Even then we are not sure if it will be business as usual,” says Vandan Shah , owner of Ashok Cinema , Relief Road.

A post pandemic world is expected to follow several new normals including high standards of hygiene and social distancing. “If we follow the social distancing norms and allow only 50 per cent occupancy, we will definitely not make profit,” says Pravinchandra Parekh, owner of Sapna Cinema, Sarkhej adding, “And now that production houses have started releasing films directly on digital platforms, we are worried.” Rashmikant Bhalodia, president, Cinema Owner’s Association Gujarat, says, “Even post lockdown, footfall will be less due to fear factor. A dwindling business model and rising overhead costs might lead to closure of several single screen theatres in the coming months. ” .

‘IT WILL AFFECT THE RURAL GUJARATI FILM INDUSTRY ’
Single screen theatres are a mainstay for rural Gujarati films that thrive on these exhibition centres, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. So, the closing of single screen theatres will affect the rural Gujarati film industry. Actor Sanjay Maurya says, “The rural film audience still prefers going to single screens over multiplxes because of low ticket prices. The rural film industry is already suffering for over a year due to several single screen theatres shutting down.And if more theatres close down now, it will be really tough.”

‘TAX BENEFITS, SUBSIDY & GST REVISION MIGHT HELP US SAIL THROUGH THIS CRISIS’
Few exhibitors feel there is some hope left. Revised GST rates, state government’s support and film distributors backing single screens can be of help. “Right now, we pay 12 per cent GST on every ticket sold apart from other taxes. So, the profit we make from ticket sales is only marginal,” explains Rashid Maniar, owner of Mira Cinema, Shahalam. He adds, “Things will improve if the GST is reduced to the minimum bracket and the distributors back us by providing good films.” Adds Vandan Shah, “The Cinema Owner’s Association alone can’t help theatres survive. The government needs to support us financially.”