Vashi2Panvel.Com: Navi Mumbai: May 25: "Cinema Paradiso" is most certainly not for the most powerful production house in the country as it squares up in an eye-to-eye confrontation with the top multiplex chains all over India. Everyone is waiting with baited breath for the release of Yashraj film’s Fanna starring Aamir Khan and Kajol but unfortunately it’s roiled in controversy right since day one. All India Multiplexes Association have boycotted the movie hence it would only be screened in single theatres as against multiplexes.
But in Navi Mumbai, the case doesn’t seem so… Meghraj Multiplex in Vashi is running the movie from tomorrow. While the theatre manager was unavailable for comment, an insider said that they’ve not received any boycott report from anywhere. “We have no qualms in running the movie. In fact, it would be complete losses for us if we overlook such a big banner,” he says. Advance bookings have already begun and they are also receiving tremendous response. So, is there a hike in price as the multiplexes owners and audience apprehended? “Yes, we have hiked the price to Rs.120 as it wouldn’t be affordable for us to run at the usual rates.”
The single theatres in the city are already basking in the glory of Fanna. “I am very optimistic about this movie. I hope to receive great response. In fact queries have already started pouring in,” says Prakash Patil, Manager, Rupali Magic, Panvel. Though even Patil had to give in to the price hike he feels this would pinch the audience’s pocket. “Our usual rates are Rs.35 for stall and Rs.40 for balcony but for Fanna we are increasing the rates by Rs.5. Advance bookings would open from tomorrow 9:00am for all the four shows.
The film would also be released in Sanpada based Fun Square. Says Suresh Chawla, theatre Manager, “The film has already started doing great business even before the release. Advance bookings are open now. All are shows are going houseful till Monday. We will charge Rs.50 per ticket. Probably, the fact that it won’t see the light of the day in a multiplex, people are not shying away from buying single theatre tickets. It certainly is a profit incentive for us.”
Swati Pandey
