End of an Era: The Decline & Survival of Single-Screen Cinemas in India

Did you know that fewer than 6,000 single-screen theatres remain today, and of those, only about 1,000 are still operating as theatres? For a nation where theatres have been the primary source of mass entertainment for decades, these numbers signify the end of an era. In the post-independence period of the 1960s-80s in India, coinciding with the peak careers of stars such as Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi, watching movies was far from a passive experience. 

Established in Kolkata in 1907, the first single-screen theatre has served as a hub for communal recreation, showcasing a distinct cultural expression in one of the world's leading movie-producing nations. However, unsustainable tax rates, legal challenges, and the rise of multiplexes are gradually eroding the nation's cinematic—and consequently, cultural—heritage. The pandemic delivered a final blow to the already struggling single-screen theatres in India, marking the end of an era for these -  once vibrant cultural landmarks.

The COVID-19 pandemic also had a profound impact on the film industry, leading to the closure of around 1,500-2,000 theatres, mainly single-screen venues. Among these were quaint theatres like Kumkum Talkies in Panna, which has been struggling with empty seats, and other iconic theatres such as Deepak Talkies in Chitrakoot and Lakshmi Talkies in Tikamgarh, which have been repurposed for weddings or left eerily abandoned.

The coastal region of Karnataka once had over 35 single-screen theatres, but the rise of multiplexes has reduced this number to just 12. Vinayaka Theatre in Kundapura and Santhosh Theatre in Sullia are at risk of closing due to needed renovations. In Mangaluru, there were once eight to ten theatres within a six to eight kilometre radius, but many, including Amrit Talkies, Platinum, New Chithra, Srinivas, Central Theater, and Jyoti Talkies, have already shut down. Similarly, in Mussoorie, three single-screen cinemas—Picture Palace on Mall Road, Rialto near Hamer’s on Kulri Hill, and Vasu in Library Bazaar—have closed, largely due to a lack of government support. However, in 2016, Vasu cinema was transformed into a twin theatre cineplex and renamed Ritz Cinema, attracting many film enthusiasts in this Himalayan town, offering a glimmer of hope for these cultural landmarks.

The temporary closure of 450 single-screen theatres in Telangana on May 17 this year, lasting for two weeks, was due to low audience turnout, the absence of blockbuster movies, the IPL, and the Lok Sabha elections. Nationwide, these historic cinema halls are experiencing a severe shortage of funds, making it difficult to purchase essential items like 2k projectors, which limits the prospects of running these halls successfully. According to Mint, single-screen theatres in tier-3 and tier-4 cities are the lowest performing in the Hindi-speaking regions of Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

Most single-screen cinema halls have stopped exhibiting films or been converted into commercial spaces or multiplexes. In Andhra Pradesh, only 1600 of the original 3600 theatres remain, with many set to become multiplexes or commercial properties; another 200 screens are expected to close permanently this year, according to Vijayendra Reddy, President of the Telangana Exhibitors Association. 

In the face of increasing challenges, innovative marketing, strategic locations, and the timely introduction of online ticketing have enabled certain cinema halls to stay afloat amid the stormy waters. Priya and Navina, two of the earliest single-screen theatres in Kolkata, exemplified this resilience by pioneering amenities such as Dolby Atmos sound, state-of-the-art projectors, and reclining seats, among other features, to attract more film enthusiasts and counter the decline in attendance. Similarly, the release of Gadar 2 revived 'Preet Place', a single-screen theatre in Ludhiana that was believed to be almost-defunct.

Likewise, the year 2023 has brought a promising resurgence for the single screen-theatre industry, with several blockbuster films achieving significant box office success. Movies like "Pathaan," "Jawan," and "Animal" particularly resonated with audiences, including those in small-town markets. The success of these films has sparked renewed optimism and a potential recovery for theatres, especially the single-screen cinemas in smaller cities that were hit hard during the pandemic. 

In an effort to revive the dwindling single-screen cinema culture, many cinema hall owners have adopted innovative and context-specific strategies. Some cinemas began screening erotic films when family-friendly movies failed to attract enough ticket sales. Other owners invested heavily in renovating and updating their cinemas' technology. For instance, to save Mumbai’s famous cinema hall ‘Central Plaza,’  Doshi tried showcasing Marathi-language and Bhojpuri-language films to draw in specialised audiences. He later experimented with screening Hollywood movies dubbed in regional Indian languages. Despite these efforts, nothing could recapture the theatre's former glory or sales. Meanwhile, Anuradha Cineplex in Guwahati has been hosting the Oscars Film Festival for over a decade, boasting a best-in-class projection system that delivers superior picture quality, along with UFO’s 3D system. 

Hemant Chaturvedi undertook an extensive photography project, covering more than 50,000 kilometres and visiting over 950 towns in 22 states, to honour the legacy of India’s small cinemas before they disappear. His passion for documenting these local movie theatres began with his childhood memories of Lakshmi Talkies in Allahabad and its demolition in 2019. Since then, Chaturvedi has personally photographed around 1,150 theatres, travelling in a jeep since 2019. Currently, 32 of these images are on display at the Kala Ghoda Café in South Mumbai, featured as part of the Mumbai Gallery Weekend.

In an effort to preserve single screen cinemas, the Government of Uttar Pradesh planned to offer incentives such as tax rebates, subsidised power, and grants for redevelopment to keep these theatres operational. Similarly, Maharashtra is committed to promoting regional language films to prevent their decline, requiring theatres, including single screen cinemas, to show 44 Marathi movies annually. Maharashtra has a 1992 rule that mandates cinema owners in Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, and other municipal corporation areas to include a movie theatre on the premises if they redevelop their properties.

Despite the challenges, a few single-screen theatres have managed to survive through innovative strategies and government support, exemplifying resilience in preserving a unique cultural heritage. The renewed success of blockbuster films in 2023 offers a glimmer of hope for these iconic institutions, potentially ushering in a revival for the single-screen cinema industry.

This cinema lovers day multiplexes and single-screen cinemas joined hands to offer movies at just INR 99 to make movies more accessible to large families, for kids on vacation, and students offering cooler environments while temperature is on rise!