- The Indian film industry, irrespective of the regions and linguistic identifications, has been devasted by the pandemic-induced restrictions is stating the obvious. The gradual opening of all sectors including the cinema halls has been most welcome for all the stakeholders associated with the industry. As per the estimate, the Kannada film industry known as Sandalwood too has suffered losses to the tune of Rs. 4,000 crores during the last year and a half. For a restricted market like Karnataka, this is a humongous amount that will take years to recover from the devastation unleashed on the sector. It is crystal clear the road ahead for the Kannada film industry is fraught with great challenges to overcome before any semblance of normalcy returns.
PC:
- Though the Karnataka government allowed the opening of cinema halls with 50% occupancy initially as a precautionary measure to curb the infection from spreading, the patronage during those days evoked much confidence in neither the audiences from flocking the theatres nor the production houses were keen to release their movies. Note that several big-budget movies starring some of the superstars were waiting in the cans to see the day of light hoping the government will allow 100% occupancy. No sooner did the government lift the restrictions by allowing 100% occupancy in cinema halls, the producers were quickly off the block to announce release dates for the much-anticipated movies to make a grand entry.
- Fortunately, the festive season of Navratri coincided with the full occupancy of cinema halls bringing in tremendous cheer and anticipation to not only movie buffs starved of a unique theater experience but also for producers and distributors having pumped in crores of rupees. Make no mistake, the timing could not have been anything better simply because the fatigued people were eagerly waiting to let their hair down by not minding indulging in splurging, including watching movies. The festive season only added to the positive buzz building all-around pulling in the audiences into the movie halls after such a long wait. Hearteningly, reports emerging suggest the two big movies that were released during the Navratri weekend have raked in the handsome moolah.
PC: Manju Latha Kalanidhi
- This particular news of two recently released movies striking gold at the box office should send the entire Kannada film market into a celebratory mood and definitely bodes well for the future. It also shows the audience is keen to explore conventional entertainment modes despite being overwhelmed by the onslaught of over-the-top mediums and other social media options that are dime a dozen now. Taking a cue from the welcome response, even more, bigger films starring established superstars are lined up for release in the coming days as well. As such, a positive outcome portends good tidings in the coming days for the Sandalwood in particular, and the Indian film industry in general. It has come at a most opportune time too. Happy cinema viewing!
