Latest news with #MuktaA2Cinemas
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Getting d(r)ubbed: Recent southern films fall out of favour in Hindi-speaking belt, struggle for a hit
Dubbed versions of southern films, especially Tamil and Telugu movies, appear to be losing their fizz in the Hindi-speaking belt. Recent titles including Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life (Tamil) and Game Changer (Telugu) have performed below par, raking in less than a 10th of earlier blockbusters from the south. With the exception of Pushpa 2 and Kalki 2898 AD, there haven't been any major dubbed hits in the past year. Experts said there is unnecessary hype over the dubbing trend and too many films have jumped on to the bandwagon without adequate content or marketing efforts. The Hindi version of Mani Ratnam's Thug Life, released in June, made ₹1.56 crore. Kannappa, a Telugu-language Hindu epic starring Vishnu Manchu in the title role and an ensemble cast of Mohanlal, Prabhas and Akshay Kumar earned Rs. 2.75 crore, according to data from Bollywood Hungama, a trade website. L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and released in March, made ₹2.22 crore in the Hindi belt. Game Changer, with Ram Charan in the lead, did better than the others, clocking in ₹26.6 crore after its release in January. However, all these earnings pale in comparison to dubbed southern hits such as Pushpa 2: The Rule ( ₹830 crore), KGF: Chapter 2 ( ₹434.7 crore), RRR (274.3 crore) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion ( ₹511 crore). 'The trend (of dubbed versions of southern films breaking out in the Hindi belt) has died down a little bit," admitted Rahul Puri, managing director of Mukta Arts and Mukta A2 Cinemas. While a few films managed to click with Hindi-speaking audiences, Puri said they were followed by several others that wanted to cash in on the hype but didn't do well even in their home markets. Half-hearted dubs Independent trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai said not all names from the south command equal draw in the Hindi belt. Only the likes of filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who first broke out with the Baahubali franchise and then followed it up with RRR, are known – even in tier-two and three north Indian towns – and people flock to the cinemas for their movies. 'If you look at films like Pushpa, the characters appeared real and relatable across the board. In the case of a lot of recent Tamil or Telugu films, the tone and style were entirely south Indian, and it didn't appear to be anything other than a simple dub," Pillai pointed out. Experts said the recent dubbed southern films have been half-hearted attempts to reach out to Hindi-speaking audiences. On the other hand, Kantara (2022), originally filmed in Kannada, had the right flavour, writing and marketing strategy to make it seem like a universal film and releasing in the Hindi market didn't look like an afterthought. Still, trade experts are hopeful about the prospects of Rajinikanth's Coolie, which also features Aamir Khan, Prabhas' next The Raja Saab, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, a prequel to Kantara, and Allu Arjun's untitled film starring Deepika Padukone to be directed by Atlee of Jawan fame. 'Not too many big-ticket films featuring names familiar in the Hindi belt have been released since Pushpa. But it's only a matter of time before one does well," film distributor and exhibitor Akshaye Rathi said.
Mint
15-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
From Leh to Kota, multiplexes roll into smalltown and southern India
Several multiplex cinema operators are surging ahead with a two-pronged expansion strategy undeterred by recent unpredictable box office performance. Big multiplexes such asPVR Inox and Cinepolis as well as smaller companies such as Miraj Entertainment Ltd, Mukta A2 Cinemas, and MovieMax Cinemas have set their eyes on tier 2 and 3 markets such as Patna, Shillong, Jaipur, Kota, and Leh-Ladakh to build low-cost cinemas with local developers. The second part of the strategy involves focusing on markets in South India, including cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Huballi, Kochi, and Cuddalore that boast a robust theatre-going culture, according to industry experts. These expansion plans come amid a lacklustre first half of the year for the Hindi film industry, the country's biggest, which is pinning hopes on a stronger second half with a wave of sequels and stories rooted in mythology and folk traditions, as Mint reported on . However, real estate experts said the overall cinema industry's expansion remains fairly conservative, with smaller properties and fewer screens planned as alternative entertainment options such as OTT (video-streaming platforms) have become increasingly popular, especially post covid. 'The South is a strategic focus area for us," said Kunal Sawhney, chief operating officer, MovieMax Cinemas. 'The region's rich cinema culture, coupled with the popularity of films across multiple languages, allows for greater programming flexibility and wider appeal. This, in turn, leads to better (seat) occupancies." MovieMax is targeting several towns across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka as part of its expansion, which includes expanding to tier 2 and 3 cities, particularly those with populations of 500,000 and above, Sawhney added. 'In these markets, average ticket price will be lower than metros, in alignment with local affordability. (But) we typically partner with strong regional developers who have a deep understanding of local market potential and are committed to delivering a high-quality mall experience tailored to the needs of the community," Sawhney said. Pricing caps, regulations, and other challenges Rahul Puri, managing director, Mukta Arts and Mukta A2 Cinemas, agreed these smaller markets hold strong potential, as ticket prices in these regions are designed to reflect local dynamics, making cinema-going more accessible to wider audiences. Mukta too is collaborating with regional developers to develop multiplexes in smaller cities. Referring to tier 2 and 3 markets as commercially promising yet under-screened, Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, managing director, Miraj Entertainment, said ticket prices in smaller cities are calibrated to local affordability, averaging ₹180-200, significantly lower than in metro cities. 'We partner with local developers, including mall owners and standalone theatre operators, often converting single screens into three to four screen multiplexes," said Mendiratta, whose company is venturing into cities such as Sitapur, Alwar, Ittawa, and Sambalpur. Miraj Entertainment plans to add 40-50 screens in 2025-26, of which 25-30% will be in South India, including cities such as Chennai, Kozhikode, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool, and Tumkur. To be sure, southern markets pose certain unique challenges for multiplexes, according to some experts. Anuj Kejriwal, CEO and managing director, ANAROCK Retail, a property consultancy, said cinemas in South India faced strict state-imposed caps on ticket prices, a less well-developed mall culture in some cities, as well as the prevalence of single-screen theatres. Complex regulations and competition from OTT platforms can reduce overall profitability for cinemas and prevent faster adoption of luxury formats in the southern markets, industry experts said. In several small cities in South India, multiplexes will need to modify their business models according to the local market dynamics and requirements to ensure sustainable growth, they added. That said, some of these hurdles and evolving dynamics aren't specific to South India. 'Competition from OTT and general lack of new content in cinemas has meant that companies are now quick to give up on properties that aren't doing well," said Abhishek Sharma, director, retail, at realty consultancy Knight Frank. 'Further, from the 10-plus screens planned earlier, theatre chains aren't looking at more than eight screens as the best possible scenario now."
Mint
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Bollywood scripts recovery with sequels and small-town strategy
After a lacklustre first half in 2025 with box office collections just crossing ₹1,900 crore, the Hindi film industry is pinning hopes on a stronger second half. A packed release calendar, a wave of sequels, and stories rooted in mythology and folk traditions are expected to drive revenues up by 20–30%, theatre owners and producers said. The recovery strategy centres on reaching audiences in tier-two and tier-three towns through culturally resonant stories. Franchises like Son of Sardaar 2, War 2, Baaghi 4, and Jolly LLB 3, along with folklore-inspired films like Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and Thama, are expected to dominate the theatrical landscape in the coming months. Franchises are a series of films that continue the story of popular characters or worlds—building on past successes to attract loyal audiences with sequels and spin-offs. 'There is a clear strategy (to reach out to small-town audiences). A lot of the upcoming films are sequels, mythological stories, or based on Indian folklore. These are not just creative choices—they're strategic," said Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, managing director at Miraj Entertainment Ltd, which operates multiplex theatres. Franchises, he said, have a ready audience, while mythological and folklore-based content resonates strongly with families in smaller cities. 'These films work better in single screens and tier-two and tier-three cities, where people prefer larger-than-life, rooted stories," Mendiratta added. Also read: Regional content gains ground on OTTs even as Hindi dominates Return of epics The trend is expected to continue well into 2026. Ranbir Kapoor will headline a two-part Ramayana franchise scheduled for Diwali 2026 and 2027, while Vicky Kaushal will play eternal warrior Parashurama in Mahavatar, slated for a December 2026 release. 'Films that are rooted in our culture or drawn from epics often connect well with the audience," said film producer Anand Pandit. 'The broad canvas offered by mythology or folklore allows filmmakers to shape narratives that appeal to viewers who enjoy grand, impactful stories anchored in nostalgia or tradition." Pandit added that the next six months would likely showcase audience-friendly spectacles, emotional mid-budget stories, and the return of familiar franchises. 'If these films succeed, they could provide the kind of breakthroughs the industry needs right now," he said. Also read: Never mind the movie - just get the popcorn! That's the latest audience trend at the cinema Franchises over originals Franchise-building is emerging as a go-to model in the absence of fresh stories. One viable strategy at this point is to create franchises and therefore build on a universe audiences already know of, said Satwik Lele, chief operating officer at MuktaA2 Cinemas. While this might indicate a lack of originality, Lele pointed out that Hollywood relies heavily on sequels too, citing upcoming releases like The Fantastic 4: First Steps and Avatar: Fire and Ash. Packed release calendar Experts say the release schedule in the second half of 2025 marks a clear departure from the sporadic releases of 2024 and early 2025. Film producer and trade expert Girish Johar said the steady flow of films is key to restoring the movie-going habit. 'The consistency in release schedules is important to ensure people stay used to coming to theatres. That habit formation also helps the small and mid-budget films to perform," he said. Also read: Online games and self-publishing platforms: movie producers tap new avenues for fresh plotlines
News18
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Aamir Khan's Cinema-First Approach Gets A Shoutout From Subhash Ghai
Last Updated: The Sitaare Zameen Par actor stated that he would undoubtedly choose theatres if given the choice. Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai has praised actor-producer Aamir Khan for his commitment to reviving Hindi cinema and preserving India's theatre culture. Ghai not only lauded Khan for his performance in a recently released blockbuster, Sitaare Zameen Par, but also appreciated his decision not to release the film to OTT platforms immediately. Taking to the photo-sharing app, Instagram, Ghai posted a picture of Khan and wrote, 'Dear Aamir, You have done it again to bring dignity to Hindi cinema with your heartwarming film in cinema halls and pledging not to show it on the small screen for six months." He further mentioned, 'I'm glad that all India exhibitors honoured you as a brave filmmaker yesterday for respecting the business of big-screen theatres too. Congratulations and blessings." Before concluding the post, Ghai also tagged major cinema chains, including Mukta A2 Cinemas, PVR Cinemas, INOX Movies, Cinepolis and Zee Cinema. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SG (@subhashghai1) Aamir Khan feels that the quality of Indian films hasn't improved in the previous three to four years and that the only way to boost sales is to avoid selling your movie to OTT platforms before six months have passed. The Sitaare Zameen Par actor stated in an interview with Hindustan Times that he would undoubtedly choose theatres if given the choice. He believes that the 'safety crutch" of the OTT industry has made matters worse. The difference is that previously, films were available on OTT six months after their theatrical debut. He suggested that if people want us to start over, studios and producers will need to say, 'We won't sell to OTT before six months," and then observe how the company develops. Kamal Gianchandani, the former president of The Multiplex Association of India, stated in the statement, 'Aamir Khan has always prioritised the audience in his films. His decision to bring Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively to cinemas is a significant show of confidence in theatres and the shared magic of the moviegoing experience." He further mentioned, 'Indian exhibitors thank Aamir Khan for standing by theatres. As we continue to welcome audiences with renewed energy and world-class films, Sitaare Zameen Par will remain a shining example of cinema's resilience and its irreplaceable magic." Sitaare Zameen Par is a sequel to the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film also starred Genelia D'Souza in the lead role. First Published:
Mint
17-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Few winners, many misses in Bollywood's lopsided H1 recovery story
Costly multiplex tickets and refreshments and release of only a handful of tentpole movies continue to hurt Bollywood business, with the first half of calendar 2025 expected to see a meagre 10-20% increase in revenue over the same period a year ago, trade experts said. But for the few big-ticket releases, the Hindi film business would have fallen short of the box-office collection in the first half of calendar 2024, they added. Among those that aided box-office momentum this year include Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava, which leads the pack with ₹600.10 crore, followed by Ajay Devgn's Raid 2 ( ₹176.93 crore), Housefull 5 ( ₹162.69 crore), Bhool Chuk Maaf ( ₹72.58 crore), Kesari Chapter 2 ( ₹93.28 crore), and Salman Khan's Sikandar ( ₹103.45 crore). Still, trade insiders flag weak returns for big-star titles like Sikandar, Housefull 5 and Kesari, pointing to an urgent need for a steadier stream of theatrical hits. Also read: The rise of small-town stories on OTT: A cost-effective, culturally rich trend The gross box office collections of Hindi films in the first six months of 2024 stood at around ₹1, 700 crore, trade experts said. Business was impacted by the Lok Sabha elections and the IPL (Indian Premier League) as producers deferred multiple releases. 'Things are marginally better than last year but the first half is usually impacted by the fact that most producers prefer to release big films in the second half when there are more holidays and festivals," Rahul Puri, managing director, Mukta Arts and Mukta A2 Cinemas said. While that often leads to a slew of big titles bunched up together, unlike the West that sees summer as a lucrative period for theatre-going, Indian film studios naturally gravitate towards festivals like Diwali, Independence Day and Christmas, all of which fall in the second half, Puri added. Also read: Indian film stars' political ambitions can dim box office allure, experts warn To be sure though, while box-office earnings may appear stable due to higher ticket prices, Bollywood still isn't faring well as far as the number of released films finding draw, goes. According to media consulting firm Ormax, 2024 had registered 88.3 crore (883 million) footfalls, reflecting a 6% decline from 2023. Footfalls in 2024 were lower than the last two years, and continue to remain lower than pre-pandemic levels. While 13 Hindi films had crossed the ₹50-crore mark in domestic box-office collections in the first half of 2019, the figure stands at eight in 2025. Also read: From influencers to moguls: Why digital creators are launching production houses 'The business continues to remain skewed towards the big winners that are riding the wave. But you can't call this a revival unless the average improves," film producer Shariq Patel said. Further, multiple films have benefited from buy-one get-one offers and ₹99 discounted ticket rate initiatives, carried out over the past few months. Independent exhibitor Vishek Chauhan agreed that the business would have fallen short if not for the handful of hits like Raid 2, Chhaava and Housefull. Unlike pre-covid when medium and small-budget films were finding favour in cinemas along with big franchises and tentpole titles, it is clear that the theatrical landscape is now dominated by franchises and everything else has moved to home viewing. 'The big concern, however, is that the pipeline is still staggered and films aren't getting launched or released with the same consistency as pre-covid. Also, movies still aren't taking big openings. Lifetime earnings are a function of several things, but a good start shows people are at least interested in giving the film a shot," Chauhan added.
