Visakhapatnam: Drive-in theatres may get their moment under the stars

Visakhapatnam: As movie-buffs move indoors and confine to over-the-top (OTT) platforms, theatre owners continue to stare at a bleak future with the onslaught of coronavirus pandemic since March this year.

Given the growing number of coronavirus cases, even if the cinema halls are likely to run with half a capacity, theatre owners say that tough days are ahead as maintenance and operational costs may mount beyond the revenue generated.

Though relief has been offered to temples, restaurants, hotels, resorts, industries and workplaces in Unlock 1.0, it did not provide any respite to the movie-goers. However, pinning hope on drive-in theatres, which is considered a viable alternative in the present pandemic situation, exhibitors feel that this can redefine the movie-watching experience.

Exhibitors are trying hard to ready the cinema halls by launching new measures such as sanitising them after each show, introducing thermal screening and providing altered seating arrangements. But with growing costs, what appears to be challenging for many theatre operators is their mere survival, especially in times of uncertainty.

However, in order to provide a big screen experience while maintaining physical distance, many opine that drive-in theatres can be considered a workable alternative to help moviegoers overcome pandemic-related fears.

"There is a higher possibility of maintaining hygiene protocols and social distancing can be ensured among the audience through such a facility. Given the rise in fuel costs, it might be an expensive affair for the viewers. But drive-in theatres can be a safer option in times of coronavirus pandemic," opines T Satish Kumar, owner of Sukanya and Sowjanya twin theatres.

At present, the open theatre in Visakhapatnam serves as the sole option for AP and Telangana. Though such a facility was there in Vijayawada

years ago, it could not operate for long. The drive-in theatre at Sheela Nagar, Visakhapatnam has a 100-car capacity with 90-ft wide and 40-ft high screen. Armed with California-based 4K technology, even this facility could not operate for long since its inception.

"Drive-in theatres can be a better option for movie buffs to overcome pandemic fears. Based on the new movies coming up, we are planning to resume the operation of open theatre," says G Veerabhadra Rao (Balaji), managing director of STBL Cine World. Keeping the pandemic situation in view, OTT platforms and open theatres find a new ray of hope.