Single-screen cinemas look at long-term survival amid windfall of hits

Single-screen theatres in India are heaving a sigh of relief with a recent stream of mass market movies keeping the tills ringing. But they are still looking to expand into multiplexes well aware that such strokes of luck don’t last.

- LataJha lata

Facing challenges even before covid-19 and struggling ever since the pandemic outbreak, single-screen theatres have been able to attract audiences from small towns thanks to films such as Gadar 2 and Jawan, aided by affordable tickets.

However, cinema owners are conscious that such films and favourable conditions are relatively rare. So, many are actively seeking partnerships to transform their establishments into two or three-screen multiplexes in line with the evolving dynamics of the cinema industry.

“It has been a good comeback for us. However, most single-screen owners are looking to remodel their properties. They have five-year plans to either tie up with builders or explore arrangements with national chains," said Satadeep Saha, director of SSR Cinemas Pvt. Ltd, a West Bengal-based company.