'Pathaan': Multiplex magic, single-screen struggles
The much-anticipated Bollywood film "Pathaan" is experiencing a significant increase in the number of theaters screening the movie, as it enters its second week. The movie now set to run in 43 theaters starting Friday.
After its release in 41 theaters across the country, the film witnessed an impressive total of 206 shows per day on May 12. The film will continue to captivate audiences with 185 shows per day. Until then, the Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster has done business of over BDT 80 Lakhs at the box office, according to the distributors Action Cut Entertainment.
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Observations from various multiplexes reveal that there is a substantial influx of visitors, particularly on holidays, generating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. However, the movie's performance on regular weekdays is also commendable, indicating sustained interest among moviegoers.
On its release day, "Pathaan" witnessed packed theaters in many cineplexes, with a strong buzz surrounding the film. The movie's popularity has continued to grow, attracting large crowds and prompting advanced ticket bookings in multiplexes such as Star Cineplex and Blockbuster Cinemas.
Anonno Mamun from Action Cut Entertainment expressed his views, stating, "The number of 'Pathaan' screenings has increased in the second week. I believe that the audience in Bangladesh will continue to enjoy the movie for a few more days. We can expect the release of more popular Bollywood films here in the future."
"The film had been released in India five months ago across various platforms. Despite being watched by the majority of the audience, the movie continues to attract audiences in the theaters," said Iftekhar Uddin Naushad, the owner of Madhumita Cinema Hall.
Naushad mentioned that the film is performing better than some Bengali movies, and managed to generate a business of approximately 3 lakhs in its first week. As a result, they decided to extend its screening into the second week, with hopes of similar result. While the cinema hall may not be completely filled, the movie's performance is still somewhat satisfactory.
Antara, who watched the movie on another platform, expressed her delight at experiencing Shah Rukh Khan on the big screen, saying, "I can't express how wonderful it feels. I truly enjoyed the movie and Shah Rukh Khan's performance."
However, the film is not doing well at most single-screens. For instance, there are no audiences in the Ananda cinema hall, which is situated at the heart of the Farmgate area. It has been observed that among the DC section's 540 seats, only 15 viewers came to see the 12 pm screening of "Pathaan". Apart from that, among 570 seats of general section, only 20 to 25 people came in to watch the film on Wednesday.
Two students from Titumir College informed The Daily Star of their disappointment. Mehedi and Ashraf had come to join the 12 pm showing of "Pathaan"."We heard a lot about the film so we came to see it. But we were expecting a lot more people." Monsur, an employee of the cinema hall informed that he had been working here for a long while and is saddened at the fading excitement of the hall-goers. He also added that there aren't many "Pathaan" viewers coming in.
The release of "Pathaan" in Bangladesh ended an 8-year gap of a Hindi movie being screened in the country, and it will be interesting to see what precedent it sets for future imports of Hindi cinema. However, with many rules and regulations in place, including the barring of release on festivals alongside local movies, it will be an uphill battle for most films.
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