Chalo Cinema – A journey through the cinema halls in India

Sleazy low grade Single Screens These are the most unique cinema halls of India. They exist in every small town and city. The interesting part of this kind of place is that it is like a club, Read More">which only true film fans visit. Not that you need any exclusive membership but not everyone prefers theseRead More

Sleazy low grade Single Screens

These are the most unique cinema halls of India. They exist in every small town and city. The interesting part of this kind of place is that it is like a club, which only true film fans visit. Not that you need any exclusive membership but not everyone prefers these places. The audiences of these places mainly consist of true admirers of cinema; people who still have faith in the small time movies that go unnoticed. The films are mainly masterpieces of Mithun, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Rajnikanth and others, to which “A-grade audiences” have turned a blind eye, just because the films didn't seem “classy” by assumed standards. The audiences here are film enthusiasts and true fans of Bollywood films which include the taxi drivers, the truck drivers and cleaners, the factory workers, waiters and chefs of 'Shetty pure veg. restaurants' etc. They will make a point to watch every film that plays here. The movies screened at these film appreciation clubs are mainly what few smart asses term as 'B-grade movies'. It's so unfair to judge these films in negative light just because you can't appreciate the aesthetic value behind the skin show. These theatres are not for the hypocrites who go 'eeeeeewwwwwwww' on the sight of thunder thighs and big tummies of the unknown actresses. Instead, one needs to have that emotional depth and sense to grasp the deeper moral meanings behind the 'double meaning' lyrics, power dialogues, weird rape scenes and dancing in rain wearing white Chiffon sarees.

When you reach these theatres, you'll find painted film posters which are a rarity these days. The theatres set in small galis, touching the road side and resemble to an ashram from outside. The tickets cost merely Rs.5, 10 and 15 only. These places don't believe in divisions like balcony and stall, so the screening happens in a big hall packed with metal seats which have no cushions.

There's no strict numbering to seats here, so you can barge in and occupy any seat you like. After a few minutes, the film starts. Yet people continue to enter and leave. There are no doors to hall; just a curtain to block sun. Hence, sunlight from outside keeps falling on screen as people enter and exit. Some who don't manage to get seats are also allowed to occupy the floor.

The visual and sound quality may not be as good as multiplexes, but for true movie lovers, it's no good excuse to stop going there. An average moviegoer used to watching just romantic crap won't relate to the high level Mithun flicks. The philosophies and theories of the films played here is equal to flicks like The Matrix and Terminator. Hence, the hero in these films performs actions and stunts which are impossible to an ordinary human. The stunts and action (of Mithun especially) will put Jackie Chan to shame. Every action scene that the hero does is applauded and whistled at. People get so engrossed in the films that whenever the villain tries to attack from behind, the audiences alert the hero on screen, and amazingly the hero takes note of it and knocks down the villain right in time. However, while enjoying the movie, if you feel something ran over your feet, don't mistake it for your neighbor's foot. There are high chances of it being a rat or any other rodent. Sometimes they even jump over your shoulders while playing their own little games.

Intervals are pretty sudden here. You are watching some intense scene and the screen goes blank. These places don't have canteens. Guest vendors are invited from outside to provide you with snacks. You get everything from vada pav, idli, behl puri etc. at cheap prices by vendors standing outside the hall's railings. Good food, cheerful crowd and loads of skin, what else does one need while watching a film.

Ticket rates: Rs. 10, Rs. 15. Max price can go to Rs. 30

Single screens The birth of Single screens theatres in India can be traced back to early half of the 20th century. It was from then that the phenomenon of cinema slowly started spreading across India. Talking about Mumbai city, Read More">the Novelty and Empire theatres were built around 1907. The 1930’s saw a boom of movieRead More

Single screens

The birth of Single screens theatres in India can be traced back to early half of the 20th century. It was from then that the phenomenon of cinema slowly started spreading across India. Talking about Mumbai city, the Novelty and Empire theatres were built around 1907. The 1930's saw a boom of movie theatres with the Regal, the Central Plaza, New Empire, Broadway, Eros and Metro coming up. These theatres are architectural masterpieces and a reminder of the Royal British period. Most of these theatres are still running, some declared as heritage structures. Initially, these cinema halls played only English films, however over the period of time, due to increasing demand for Hindi films, they took on to screening popular Hindi films as well.

Over the years, the single screens have spread like an epidemic all over India. The increasing popularity of Hindi films led to the erection of cinema halls in every town in the country. In this section, we'll focus on single screens which play A-grade movies. The multiple screens (mentioned above) and the high standard single screens are similar. Hence, the following description applies for both.

Since these places play popular A-grade Hindi films, getting movie tickets isn't easy. It is like fighting a battle to win the tickets. The queues for movie tickets can be meters long. If you plan to watch a much hyped film with famous stars in the first week of its release, then you might surely experience the following. When the advanced bookings open, people just crowd at the ticket windows. Even if you go to theatre early in the morning, you'll find long queue at the ticket window. Now, normally the windows open at 10am sharp, but today, they will open at least an hour late. The crowd shouts and bangs the window but no use. It's close to noon and the sun is over your head, you are melting with heat, waiting for your turn. Adding to it, there are these weird characters who accompany you in the queue. Like a tobacco chewing guy behind you who gives his prediction of why this film will be a sure shot flop, because the actress doesn't have an item number. Finally, the window opens by 11:30am and people rush to the window. The vendor however, goes on at her own slow pace. In between this entire jumble, there are always some aunties who try to play dirty. Acting needy they might dupe you to buy tickets for their entire family. So beware. Besides, there is a high possibility of you engaging in a fist fight for some petty reason and getting back home with a broken jaw.

By the time you reach the window the weekends shows are full. You still request the lady behind the window to check if anything is available. But the arrogant mausi at the counter makes faces and yells to buy from shows that are available or just get off from the window. You have no choice left. In such situation try to search for a person in the crowds going sau ka teen sau (Rs.100 tickets for Rs.300). They are the black marketing dudes. They do sell tickets illegally at a higher price, but then you can catch the show you want to.

Multiple screens Multiple screens theatres actually are primitive multiplexes which are far different from the current malls. These theatres are largely compartmented. The theatre has 4- screens. Each screen is a separate division, a separate theatre in itself, with its own entrance gates, Read More">cafeteria etc. A multiple screen theatre is more like an amalgamation ofRead More

Multiple screens

Multiple screens theatres actually are primitive multiplexes which are far different from the current malls. These theatres are largely compartmented. The theatre has 4- screens. Each screen is a separate division, a separate theatre in itself, with its own entrance gates, cafeteria etc. A multiple screen theatre is more like an amalgamation of three- four single screen theatres into one building. However, they aren't built in a shopping mall; neither do they have a very sleek ambience.

What made these places unique in the late 80's was the concept of multiple screens which offered the facility to choose the movie one wanted to watch. All flicks released that week and prior, play at the same place. Although, today it might not seem to be a big deal, few years back it was revolutionary. One realizes their importance only when - out of your extremely busy schedule, you manage to get an evening off to catch a good film with your family. You are all excited about the long awaited family outing but on reaching the theatre you learn that either the tickets are sold out at the single screen or the theatre changed the film yesterday to a sleazy sex comedy, which you definitely can't watch with family. The flick you came to watch is now playing at another theatre. The show there is at 6 pm, the theatre is 10 miles and your watch already shows 5:55pm. Scary? Multiple screens therefore, act as a savior in such situations.

Although their facilities aren't 'out of the world', the multiple screens even today manage to pull masses mainly due to their affordable rates. From inside, they are very similar to single screens. So, we'll describe Multiple screens together in the next subgroup, Single screens.

Ticket rates: ranging from Rs. 80 to Rs. 150 (depends upon the movie)

The moment you enter movie hall, you’ll see a mystic darkness. Glowing in the darkness are blue radium lights on the floor to guide your steps. Generally, every surface inside is velvet coated, the walls, the floor, Read More">etc. You can feel the chilled atmosphere and the soft musical score playing in the background. The seatsRead More

The moment you enter movie hall, you'll see a mystic darkness. Glowing in the darkness are blue radium lights on the floor to guide your steps. Generally, every surface inside is velvet coated, the walls, the floor, etc. You can feel the chilled atmosphere and the soft musical score playing in the background. The seats are as big and comfortable as an emperor's throne. The movie starts; you place your cola in the stand on the arm rest, stretch back comfortably and enjoy the movie. The Dolby sounds that gives a 360 degree effect is an added attribute.

The audiences as mentioned before arrive mostly in groups. Especially on weekends you'll find these big Guju families coming for movies with their 28 member family which comprises people of all ages and sizes. They consume 70% of the snacks in the theatre. Apart from them, if there are any kiddie movies playing at any of the screens, then better reschedule your plans. Because the misbehaved kids and their pampering moms can give you a tough time starting from the ticket counter, the elevator, the lobby, the food-bar. Try going for a Harry Potter flick, and notice the mistakes they keep pointing out, spoiling all the fun and their mothers who don't even know who Harry Potter is, take pride in this.

The groups of college students bring in some level energy at these places. And of course there is a fourth set of people, for whom I personally believe that concept of cinema halls was actually created. They are the love birds. You'll find the most hip looking couples in here, giving an impression that probably they just came out from the Levis poster. The girls especially look so hot that you wish if you could rather watch her for the next three hours instead of the stupid movie but her boyfriend's muscles scare you away.

One notable thing in multiplexes is that throughout the movie the audiences remain calm. Whether the movie sucks or is a blockbuster, audiences maintain silence like the British crowds at Lord's stadium. That's sophistication I guess. Quality wise this place is A grade but the audiences can be quite dry.

Ticket rates: Rs 150 to Rs. 300

Films, Bollywood, Stars!! That is what we talk about all the time. But in between all the glitz and glamour, stars and the banners, we tend to miss out the place where the actual action happens. The place where an unknown face can become a rage overnight, Read More">where an unexpected film can create history. TheRead More

Films, Bollywood, Stars!! That is what we talk about all the time. But in between all the glitz and glamour, stars and the banners, we tend to miss out the place where the actual action happens. The place where an unknown face can become a rage overnight, where an unexpected film can create history. The paradiso of every film maker, the movie theatre.

In a country like India where people are so religious about films, there is a variety of film theatres. Starting from the cozy Multiplexes to the Sleazy cheap halls, there is a variety of theatres one will find in this country. Each place has certain amount of uniqueness attached to it. So, if you are of the type who just likes to watch films at home, read through this article. Because in India, the theatre itself is a place full of experiences and film is an added bonus. So let's go on and take a look at the types of movie theatres in India.

Multiplexes

These are the newest kind of movie halls coming up in India on the lines of those in the western countries. Multiplexes are the theatres generally set up inside big shopping malls and obviously, have multiple screens with 5-6 movies playing at the same time giving a variety of options for you to choose from.

Usually people from middle and higher middle classes are seen at these theatres. They shop in malls, grab lunch together and then probably drop in for a movie. So, usually you will find many families and groups of young people coming for movies at multiplexes.

Talking about the interiors, the multiplexes have a decent ambience, decorated with the standees and posters of upcoming films. Everything looks neatly designed and well organized. The ticket windows are made up of big transparent glass panes. The ticket vendors are cute young girls who communicate through a mic and allow you to choose the seat you want from the computer screen. You won't find long queues at the ticket counters here. Besides, there is also a facility of booking tickets through phone or online. As soon as you enter the multiplex, you'll notice the beautiful ambience, the cool soothing air, the walls painted with cool colors, the decorative lightings and above all, the aroma of popcorns. The staff mainly consists of young boys and girls dressed in neat uniforms and well, they mostly speak in English. This place gives you a complete Royale feel.

Multiplexes have a large food-bar loaded with variety of snacks and drinks that cost more than double the market price. But then, the refreshments look so attractive across the counter that you finally fall prey to the temptation and ultimately end up spending a few hundred bucks on munchies and colas which later may not seem worth the price.