M Rafi Ahmed
Movie theatres are slowly becoming a thing of the past as the majority of film producers have now shifted their focus from traditional cinema screenings to streaming platforms. While the nostalgia of watching a film on the big screen remains, the convenience and flexibility of streaming services are reshaping the entertainment landscape. The reasons are quite explicit to the cinegoers.
Chennai’s landmark Udhayam cinema complex near Ashok Nagar is in the news following the end card to its movie screening schedule. Technological innovation has brought in a sea change in almost all spheres of activity. Even when there is slow death of standalone theatres across the country, multiplexes started to mushroom catering to the entertainment needs of varied cinegoers.
However, the multiplexes too faced the onslaught of Over The Top (OTT) platforms that spell doomed on them to down the curtains unable to run the show. Under the impact, it is learnt that both standalone theatres and multiplexes were caught in a financial crisis following drop in ticket sales as releases were made on OTT media service thereby making the movie-lovers confined to their homes to watch their favourite movies.
In fact, the viewing habit changed as people prefer watching movies on their own schedule as streaming services allow viewers to watch films at their convenience. Moreover, availability of high-quality home theaters and large screens allowed the audience to enjoy movies shortly after theatrical release without leaving their homes. As of now, releases are made on OTT platforms.
The high cost of tickets including parking fee and exorbitant rates of snacks while restricting the cinegoers from bringing their own items at cinema theatres are attributed for the poor patronage to cinema halls. OTT platforms came in handy for the movie-lovers to sit and watch at their homes leisurely depending upon their convenience.
According to sources, Udhayam theatre commenced its show in 1983 with three screens-Udhayam, Suriyan, Chandran-initially and later one more Mini Udhayam was added. The complex stands tall on a sprawling 40,000 sq ft on 1.31 acre plot belonging to Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) under an agreement. Of the six brothers who promoted the complex, the only surviving brother Paramasivam Pillai took the theatre through an auction for Rs 80 crore when it faced a financial crisis in 2009. About 53 shareholders from the founder’s family were keen to own the property.
It is learnt that the cinema complex will soon be demolished paving the way for the proposed luxurious living space in the heart of the city. Though the cinema complex will turn a history, the name ‘Udhayam’ bus stop will remain forever reminding the ardent film-goers of the glorious past of Ashok Nagar’s pride.
