Film exhibitor Manoj Desai, Executive Director of G7 Multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and Maratha Mandir Cinema in Mumbai, has strongly criticised the release strategy of Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, alleging that the decision to delay advance bookings is hurting single-screen theatres.Speaking to FilmiFever, Desai said he even tried reaching out to Akshay Kumar regarding the issue.“Pehli baat toh sabse badi complaint karni hai… maine Akshay ko try bhi kiya do-teen baar voicemail pe. He should understand this because they have stopped advance booking. Till the show comes out, they want to know first how it is going to do, and then open booking. I am totally against that. That is the only reason I am giving this interview—to protest,” he said.
‘They want to finish single screens’
Desai didn’t hold back while speaking about the larger impact on single-screen cinemas.“Restriction nahi, humein khatam karna chahte hain. Theatre nahi chalne dete ho—shame on you,” he said.He added that audiences often travel long distances, only to find bookings not open.“Log kahan-kahan se aa rahe hain aur unko pata chalta hai booking khuli hi nahi hai. Why they are doing such injustice with single screens?” he questioned.Commenting on the response to paid previews, Desai said the film hasn’t opened as expected.“Jo hona chahiye woh nahi hai… phir bhi inko akkal nahi aa rahi hai. Akshay ko akkal nahi aa rahi hai. This is not the way you are working with theatres,” he remarked.
Cites DDLJ and Dhurandhar as examples
Drawing comparisons, Desai pointed to the long theatrical run of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.“DDLJ 30-40 saal se chal rahi hai… public kahan-kahan se nahi aati,” he said, emphasising the importance of audience access.He also cited the success of Dhurandhar, claiming its release strategy worked better.“Dhurandhar ke time kuch bhi late nahi hua. Advance booking turant khul gayi thi. South wale logon ko akkal hoti hai… yahan koi sense of understanding nahi hai,” he added.
‘Not everyone can afford Rs 500 tickets’
Desai also addressed the pricing gap between multiplexes and single screens.“Rate kam hai toh bhi public bhaag-bhaag ke aati hai. Aaj ke time pe Rs 500-600 sab nahi de sakte. Economy ka haal dekho… aur aise time pe tum theatre nahi chalne dete ho,” he said.
‘Single screens are the backbone’
Calling for industry-wide support, Desai said the issue goes beyond one film.“Yeh sirf ek film ka nahi hai, har distributor aisa karta hai. Single screen theatres ko support karna bahut zaroori hai. Agar cinema survive kar raha hai, toh single screens ki wajah se,” he said.Despite the concerns, Desai maintained that exhibitors like him will continue to adapt, even if it means opting for other films to keep theatres running.
