Theatre sees an upswing as Bollywood disappears from Bangalore's multiplexes
Theatre sees an upswing as Bollywood disappears from Bangalore's multiplexes
The exhibitor-multiplex standoff has left Bollywood buffs with no movies to watch this season. MiD DAY found that the absence of new releases has nudged some towards theatre.
Sudarshan (23) is a new convert. "Since there are no Hindi movies in the multiplexes, a friend suggested we could go watch a play. We did not welcome the idea initially, but at the end of the play we realised we had thoroughly enjoyed the experience," he said. The sports federation employee wants to go back to Ranga Shankara for more plays.
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Let's play: Ranga Shankara prices tickets at Rs 49 and Rs 99. Theatre tickets are usually cheaper than multiplex tickets pic/Rameshu00a0HS |
Ranga Shankara manager Jagadish Malnad is happy to see more young people gravitating to theatre. "The new converts are game only for comedy and entertaining plays, not serious stuff," he told MiD DAY.
Theatre is generally cheaper than a multiplex movie. A ticket for play is priced between Rs 50 and 100. But a movie at the multiplex costs at least twice as much.
Jagadish is convinced the money isn't the thing. "Even if our plays are highly priced we will continue to have a loyal audience. People don't mind spending on entertainment," he said.
Chowdaiah Hall is another prestigious auditorium that is witnessing a change in audience profile. "Our audience would comprise middle-aged people.u00a0 However over the past few days we have observed many young people coming and watching plays," said Srinivas Murthy, sound engineer at the hall.
He is not sure the lack of Bollywood releases is the reason.
Chris Avinash, entertainment director for a private theatre space in Indiranagar, said, "Theatre has a niche audience. A lot of fan following and awe are associated with Bollywood. Avid Bollywood fans will probably watch television instead of theatre."
He believes if there are no Bollywood releases for a long time, theatre just might gain.
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Wassup? Plays, such as this one at the Ranga Shankara, are attracting younger audience file pic |
Others share his scepticism. "If movie buffs watch plays as a substitute for the movies, then I am sure they will not go home satisfied as they are two completely different art forms," said Vijay Padaki, theatre educator.
"Movie buffs would probably rent a DVD and watch a movie at home instead," said Siddanth K S, president of Lights off, a theatre group.
Priyanka Gupta, a playwright, said, "People don't suddenly become theatre lovers. You need to develop a taste for it."u00a0u00a0u00a0
"I was completely taken aback when I saw live performances"Sachin Belvadi (31),u00a0a basketball coachI am a complete Bollywood addict. Watching a movie twice a week was a ritual. Now that there are no Bollywood releases, I feel lost.
Varsha Nichani (18)
Student of Mount Carmel College Initially I was very disappointed. But now I spend my time in constructive activities like reading books and doing internships.
Namita(16) student
Last week I just saw my first play.I thought it was as entertaining as any Bollywood movie. A play is more realistic and I can connect to it.
Suhas K (18) student
Initially I thought theatre was a good substitute for the movies. But slowly I have started realising that theatre is more spontaneous. I was completely taken aback when I saw live performances by such talented people
Nikhil Parekh(22) entrepreneur
The only word I find appropriate to describe my first play experience was magical... I just realised that all through these years I have completely underrated theatre. I think plays deserve more publicity.
