Why no multiplexes in Old City?

The Old City in Hyderabad, beginning from Chaderghat, according to estimates, is home to nearly 40 per cent of its 70 lakh population. But sadly, there are only seven barely surviving cinema halls of a total of nearly 70 in the entire city.

When it comes to watching films in a decent ambience, munching crispy snacks and soaking in the comfort of air-conditioning, the story is different. Sadly the old city is found lacking in these amenities. The lovers of filmi fare have to travel to the nearest multiplexes at Kacheguda or to the stand-alone theatres in the Abids region, to see their favourite actors and actresses.

This is not a development which has happened in recent times. From the 70’s, out of a total of nearly 80 theatres, there were nearly twenty theatres in the walled city region, screening hits of Bollywood. Over four decades later, the number has dwindled by nearly two-thirds to its present status.

What are the reasons? Minhaj Hussain, managing director, Shama Talkies, said, “It has been always the case that many of the local residents like to go to other parts of the city to see films and not watch it near their homes. This is because the theatres elsewhere are better maintained and hence more value for their money.”

It could be a valid reason. Still, the peculiar environment of the Old City with its sensitive communal temperature and a largely homogeneous non-Telugu population (around 70 per cent of its total), has hardly been an incentive for anyone to invest in modern entertainment avenues.

The nearly dozen theatres which have downed their shutters are mute testimonies to the time that has passed by. A few of them are now function halls and the others await their next reincarnation. Out of the seven still alive, one is regularly screening Telugu films to cater to the population who have been in the Old City from decades.

“If one wants a cineplex or multiplex here, the investment would be not less than Rs 8-10 crore. Still, one is not sure of its patronage,” informed Minhaj.

Market talk is that the existing multiplex owners like PVR and Big Cinemas are surveying to find out if there is any potential. Nothing concrete, as yet, if Hussain is to be believed.

“It is not correct to assume that the local Muslim population does not want to see films. Of course, there is a rising orthodoxy which does not want to corrupt its lifestyle by watching such mindless fare. They are outnumbered by the others who do not mind the Khans jiving around with 20-somethings,” adds a long time resident who does not miss his Friday entertainment.

As of now, with the news that one old theatre, Prakash, in the Mangalhat region is planning to convert itself into a multiplex in the next year, not all is lost. The Old City cine buffs can still hope to have quality entertainment near their homes, after all! -BST