During the years from 1971 to 1981, when we were in high school and college, there were three cinema halls or movie theatres in my hometown, Sambalpur. Even before 1971, when we studied in LP and UP-level school, we children had a fascination for cinema. Whenever there was any show of films for children, our teachers took us to the halls in rows so that we could view and learn from them. Then there were visits to the cinema halls with family members and relatives for viewing mythological films.
Cinema had caught our attention for another obvious reason. Mobile phones and television were conspicuous by their absence, and we had hardly any other source of entertainment except the radio. The experience of seeing a movie on the big screen in a dark hall with friends and family members was novel and unique. There were clappings, whistling, and even throwing of coins toward the big screen whenever a popular song or dance was played. Despite the noise and disturbance that the audience created while watching a movie, cinema halls ran to packed houses, and people enjoyed the shows from start to finish, with an intermission almost halfway so that the audience could get some time for refreshments.
Sambalpur was not the only place where there was a craze for Hindi and Odia cinema, though the latter was released less frequently. In the western part of Odisha, Rourkela, being an industrial and populous city with a good number of cinema halls, often became the first destination for new releases. People, especially youth from smaller towns, would flock there to watch movies. Cities like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Berhampur also promoted viewership and popularity of both Hindi and Odia movies with their numerous cinema halls. Smaller towns, however, played an equally significant role.
In smaller towns in the interior areas, people from rural regions gathered during festive occasions and for various errands and eagerly flocked to cinema halls. Even in metropolitan cities like Delhi, I have seen people rushing to cinema halls, waiting anxiously for the gates to open, and entering joyously when they did.
Changing Times
Though the craze for cinema and the popularity of Hindi cinema have not entirely diminished, what exactly has happened during the last two decades or so that forced cinema hall owners to shut down or even demolish their establishments in favor of other commercial buildings? For example, all three cinema halls in Sambalpur have been razed to the ground. Of course, a multiplex has come up in the city, which is the trend today. Let us explore the reasons for this decline:
1) The Advent of Television
Television entered the scene in 1959 in India and became almost a household name after the 1982 Asian Games. The telecast of soap operas, old and all-time hit movies, and mythological serials confined people to their drawing rooms. The boom was such that even rural areas had self-made antennas on thatched houses. Over time, more channels were added, reducing cinema hall viewership.
2) The Rise of Social Media
Post-2000, the rise of social media provided a new platform for information, education, and entertainment. With people of all ages glued to mobile phones, movies face stiff competition even from television.
3) Video Piracy
Video piracy severely impacted movie viewership. Pirated copies in cassettes and later in compact discs often surfaced even before theatrical releases, causing headaches for cinema hall owners and the film industry.
4) Jarring and Westernized Music
Music is vital to a movie’s success. Earlier compositions had a lasting impact, but modern music, often jarring and westernized, appeals mainly to youth while failing to attract older audiences.
5) Lack of Originality and Creativity
India, being the largest producer of films, struggles to maintain quality in its approximately 900 annual releases. A lack of originality and creativity in many films fails to captivate audiences, despite occasional artistic and commercial successes.
6) Insufficient Regional Film Infrastructure
Except for Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, regional film industries lack adequate facilities. Producers rely on larger cities, increasing budgets and affecting production quality.
7) Poor Infrastructure in Cinema Halls
The complacency of cinema hall owners regarding infrastructure is a significant factor. Seating, sound, air conditioning, and refreshment facilities remained subpar even when facing stiff competition from television and mobile entertainment.
8) Delayed Releases in Smaller Centres
Smaller towns often receive new movies much later than major cities. Fearing a poor initial response, producers prioritize bigger centers for releases.
9) Diversified Entertainment Options
With countless television channels, social media platforms, and mobile applications, audiences have numerous alternatives to cinema.
10) High Entertainment Tax
Cinema tickets have become increasingly expensive. The government and cinema hall owners should consider reducing entertainment tax and keeping ticket rates moderate. States offering tax exemptions for specific films have seen a positive impact on the industry.
The Road Ahead
Watching a movie on the big silver screen remains an irreplaceable experience. Despite competition, cinema halls can regain their audience with better infrastructure, appealing movies, and affordable rates. Multiplexes with supermarkets and malls are gradually replacing single-screen theatres, ensuring the survival of cinema in a new form.
(The views expressed are the writer’s own)
Mr. Prafulla Kumar Majhi,
Retired Asst. Director, A. I. R, is an eminent Scholar and freelance writer in English & Odia. His areas of interests are sociocultural, economic, literary, historical and analytical studies and writings.
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