Box Office: The Crisis of Single Screens in Tamil Cinema

Tamil Cinema is facing a tough phase, especially since the release of Vijay’s Leo last October. Despite Pongal releases, no movie has crossed the 100Cr gross mark in Tamil Nadu. Even during Sankranti, the combined earnings of all movies fell short of 100Cr.

The aftermath of Sankranti has hit theatres hard, with many struggling to recover rents. Single screens, in particular, are bearing the brunt, with numerous closures looming. Chennai alone is set to lose around 6 single screens, while Coimbatore will bid farewell to 5.

This trend extends across territories, with approximately 40 single screens in Tamil Nadu facing closure this year. The root of the problem lies in the audience’s preference for multiplexes, even for star-studded films. Additionally, distributors demanding higher shares further squeeze single screens’ profitability.

This downward spiral has left exhibitors in deficit since October, making it challenging for them to sustain operations. Unfortunately, this trend is expected to persist, potentially leading to more closures in the future. The closure of single screens marks a significant loss for Tamil Cinema, symbolizing the end of an era cherished by many.