National Award-winning director Tigmanshu Dhulia believes the core issue plaguing the Indian film industry isn’t the content itself, but rather the exhibition sector, particularly multiplexes. He asserts that the soaring ticket prices have effectively driven away the common movie-goer.
“The biggest problem with cinema is due to the exhibition sector and multiplexes. We have literally thrown movie-goers out of the theatres. Ticket prices are beyond the reach of the common man. That is the only reason; it is not the content,” Dhulia stated.
Dhulia reminisced about a time when single-screen theaters offered a communal viewing experience, catering to all audience segments. He feels that the shift towards multiplexes, often by converting or shutting down single-screen venues, has alienated the traditional audience. “They were the real audience, who now watch films on their mobiles. We have created a divide. Even if they have money in hand, they won’t spend it on taking their family to a multiplex!” he explained.
The filmmaker, whose upcoming project Ghamasaan stars Pratik Gandhi and Arshad Warsi, lamented the loss of the traditional cinema experience. He questioned the dwindling number of 70mm screens and pointed out how multiplexes break down large screens into smaller auditoriums, often at higher prices. Dhulia cited the success of Southern single-screen theaters with capped ticket prices and the recent resurgence of films like Tumbbaad and Laila Majnu (both 2018) due to their affordable re-release prices as evidence of this issue.
Dhulia also pushed back against the notion that audiences have a shorter attention span. He argued that the prevalence of binge-watching OTT series and extended engagement with Test matches contradicts this idea. For him, the problem lies in the “capitalism” driving multiplexes, with their focus on luxury amenities like recliner seats and on-seat dining. “It’s all tamasha!” he exclaimed, emphasizing the need to respect cinema as an art form, similar to how theater is preserved and appreciated in Europe.