Multiplexes fare better as Cinema buffs brave the rain to watch the films
Thoongavanam movie poster
Chennai: With the incessant rains leaving several main roads and interior lanes under a sheet of water, local theatres like SK Marlen Cinemas (Alandur) had to return the tickets that people booked prior to Deepavali for Ajith Kumar’s Vedalam and Kamal Haasan’s Thoongavanam. However, the multiplexes managed to run the shows.
Geetha of SK Marlen said, “The rain that started around Sunday early morning continued throughout the day, so we didn’t have any choice than cancelling the shows. Since there was heavy rush of water, we couldn’t let people inside. We refunded their money eventually.”
Rakesh Gowthaman, managing director of Vettri Cinemas, said there wasn’t any major impact as tickets were sold in advance. “Of course, we couldn’t have house full shows because people didn’t turn up. I hope the depression clears over the next few days. For Sunday Vedalam noon show, we had 100 empty seats. Had everybody bought his or her tickets at the counter, it would have been easy to refund money. But with online bookings, it’s not possible,” said Rakesh and added if the rains continue, it would affect 30 per cent of the ticket sales in the coming days.
Jyothiramalingam of Raj Theatre (Saidapet) said the theatre didn’t see the anticipated crowd as several stretches by the roadside were waterlogged. According to a source from Kamala Cinemas in Vadapalani, films of big stars attract huge crowds even when it’s pouring. “We could see people stepping in with umbrellas and raincoats. Rains couldn’t stop them,” the source said.
Preetha, marketing manager of SPI Cinemas, said, “If the films are good, people come, no matter what. Both the movies that were released on Deepavali had a fantastic response. Especially, Vedalam opened to packed theatres on Tuesday. Even fans came to the theatre for early morning shows in the rains.
Multiplexes give viewers an option of picking whichever movie they want and that’s why some of us prefer to watch it here,” she added. Nevertheless, city-based MBA graduate-mime artiste Sabarish Muralidar and his three friends made it to Devi Cinemas for Thoongavanam in the rains.
“The roads were almost flooded, deserted and the congenial weather made driving hassle-free. Vehicles broke down on the flooded roads and people were seen giving these a push. Of course, trees were uprooted here and there. We managed to watch the film as we didn’t want to miss a Kamal classic,” he said.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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