With last week's terror attacks resulting in a fall in number of moviegoers, multiplexes owners here are now pinning their hopes on three big budget films slated for released this month.
MUMBAI: With last week's terror attacks resulting in a fall in number of moviegoers, multiplexes owners here are now pinning their hopes on three big budget films slated for released this month including Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini" which has Aamir Khan in the lead.
"'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', 'Ghajini' and 'Jumbo' will rock the theatres and we have huge expectations from these movies," said Joydeep Ghosh Roy, spokesperson of PVR.
"It will take some time for the industry to attract the audience. With the three big releases the box office will get off to a flying start," trade analyst Taran Adarsh said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Cinemax spokesperson Girish Wankhede said, "Big movies usually open with with 85-90 per cent collection. These big-banner movies with all leading stars will surely bring more audiences."
Theatres bore the brunt of the audacious attacks and the box office verdict of "Sorry Bhai" and "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" released last week was not at all encouraging.
"Both the movies flopped at the box office because of the terror attacks. They received poor response not only in Mumbai but in other parts of the country also, which resulted
in the substantial loss for everyone," Adarsh said.
Cinemax incurred a loss of Rs 40-45 lakh during the weekend across its 11 theatres in the city. PVR, which usually generates approximately Rs 25 lakh at weekend across the three multiplexes in the city, could do a business of around Rs 8 lakh this weekend.
Also, the theatres were closed on Thursday which further added to the loss.
Unfortunately the collection was low as people prefered to stay indoors. Generally, on weekends occupancy is 90 per cent but this time it was 40-45 per cent. The attacks
kept the people glued to their television sets and seeing the situation live they feared to step out of their homes. It is a huge loss for the industry," said Wankhede.
In the aftermath of the terror attacks the security has been beefed up at almost all theatres and malls.
"The citizens at the gateway yesterday demanded what they need in the city to survive. Security is of paramount importance. We at PVR have taken appropriate security measures including installing extra guards and other equipment," said Roy.
"We had briefed our security personnel and guards, we have tightened the security at theatres," Wankhede said.
Yet, there were few who were reluctant to head towards the theatres but there were others who want their regular dose of entertainment despite the vunerable situation that is still gripping Mumbai.
"I was looking forward to watch 'Sorry Bhai' which I missed last week due to the terror attacks. I will definetly catch up with the movie this weekend," said Priya Iyer, a
movie buff.
"Meerabai...Not Out", "Oh My God" and "Dil Kabbadi", will hit the screens this Friday.
The city has 75 multiplexes and 30 single screens that usually generate 75 per cent business at the weekend. But this time it saw only 35-45 per cent business resulting to a loss of Rs 10 crore. Also, the malls faced the heat as the number of footfalls during weekend came down to 1,000 from 10,000, sources said.
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