Amritsar – Punjab) [India]Aug 2 (ANI): Single screen theaters in Amritsar are still closed and multiplexes are struggling to survive due to the rise in culture.
Pramod Mehra, owner of Sangam Theatre, told ANI, “Initially there were 21 single screen theaters in Amritsar, but gradually due to terrorism, online streaming platforms, cassettes, multiplexes etc., all theaters were closed. They either go multiplex or other online. platform and it is practically impossible for us to compete with them. Since then, the revenue in our business has decreased and it is practically impossible for us to operate it. Since the arrival of multiplexes, single screen theaters were completely closed.
Inder Mohan, owner of Inder Palace Theatre, told ANI, “The government should give some relief on cinema tax to single screen theaters. Some subsidy should be given to cinemas older than 60 years as we are still paying property tax for these closed cinemas. Around 20-25 people working in these single screen theaters became unemployed. Some theaters still have shows running, however, as they are not making enough revenue as multiplexes. Obviously, the public is now preferring multiplexes as they are technologically advanced.”
The owners of single-screen theaters are facing huge losses due to non-functionality of their theatres. Most owners said they find it difficult to restart businesses that comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government. With the change in trend and the advent of multiplexes, the traditional single screen cinemas have lost their appeal to the audience as well. During the last two years, due to the COVID-induced lockdown, several businesses across the country, including cinemas, have suffered.
With the rise of multiplexes in the country, single screen has slowly become an alien concept for many. (ANI)
This report is automatically generated from ANI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its contents.