Souvik Saha
Single-Screen Theatres Face Show-Sharing Challenge as Mirzapur The Movie, Hanuman Ansh and Haiwaan Compete for Shows
Strong holdover business and the arrival of Haiwaan are creating a tricky programming situation for single-screen exhibitors.
Thursdays are increasingly becoming a day of conflict and intense discussions for exhibitors. Last week, a deadlock emerged over show-sharing between Mirzapur The Movie and Hanuman Ansh. This week, single-screen cinemas face an even trickier situation as they try to accommodate both holdover hits along with the latest release, Haiwaan.
No Major Fight, But Programming Is Difficult
However, this week’s deadlock is an exception. A trade source said there is no real fight between the films. Instead, the problem is that the holdover titles are performing exceptionally well and exhibitors want to continue playing them.
There’s no fight as such. The holdover films are doing exceptional business. Mirzapur The Movie had a huge weekend and continued its dream run in the weekdays. Hanuman Ansh, too, is rock-steady.
The source added that the advance for the weekend is also impressive in multiplexes. Hence, theatres want to play both successful holdovers as well as Haiwaan.
Runtime Makes Show-Sharing Even Tougher
The biggest practical challenge is the runtime of all three films. With every title taking up a substantial portion of the day, effectively dividing the available shows becomes difficult.
Mumbai Single Screens Yet to Open Advance
As of 2:30 pm on September 10, advance booking for the three films had yet to open at several single-screen cinemas in Mumbai. A number of two-screen venues had also not finalised their show plans.
Theatres Take Different Approaches
Some cinemas have chosen to focus entirely on one title, while others are attempting to accommodate all three films.
Raj Mandir Jaipur Finds a Balance
At the iconic Raj Mandir in Jaipur, all three films have been accommodated through a carefully divided show schedule.
With two strong holdover films and a new release demanding screens, exhibitors now face a delicate balancing act. It remains to be seen how other single-screen cinemas finalise their programming for the coming week.
