Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jun 2: The days of standalone cinema theaters with 'Housefull' signs are becoming increasingly rare in Mangaluru. Most of these theaters have closed down, while the few still in operation are struggling to stay afloat.
Previously, the coastal region of Karnataka boasted over 35 single theaters. However, the emergence of multiplexes has led to the closure of many, leaving only 12 functioning in the zone.
Various factors contribute to this decline. On one hand, there is criticism regarding the declining quality of contemporary films. On the other hand, the convenience of OTT platforms, offering new releases at home, has led to dwindling theatre attendance.
File photo
Notably, Vinayaka theatre in Kundapura and Santhosh theatre in Sullia are reportedly on the brink of closure, citing renovation. Earlier, Mangaluru housed eight to ten theaters within a six to eight km radius. However, establishments like Amrit Talkies, Platinum, New Chithra, Srinivas, Central Theater, and Jyoti Talkies have already shut down.
Moreover, several taluks including Sullia, Bantwal, and Puttur no longer have single screen theatres. While Bharat theatre remains in Belthangady, Amarashree in Moodbidri is undergoing renovation.
Presently, only theatres like Suchitra, Prabhat, Ramakanti, Roopavani in Mangaluru, Kalpana, Alankar, Diana in Udupi, Radhika, Planet in Karkala, Shankar in Byndoor, Nataraj in Suratkal, and Krishna in Kasaragod are operational. However, they too face challenges due to the lack of new releases.
In the past, around 12 Tulu films were released annually. However, in 2024, only three films—Madimaye, Gabbar Singh, and Balipe—have been released in the last five months. Even Tulu cinema is experiencing a decline in popularity, leaving single screen theaters with limited new content.
The decline of single screen theaters is not unique to Mangaluru. Karnataka, which once boasted over 1400 single theaters, now has only 200. This trend suggests that single screen theatres may eventually become obsolete if significant changes are not made to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and industry dynamics.