Kannada films struggle for a Majestic release

With only a few theatres available for screening Kannada movies in Majestic area, filmmakers are finding it hard to stick to their release schedule.
Known as the hub of Kannada films, Majestic once boasted of over 20 theatres. Those shut over the past few decades include Sagar, Kalpana, Majestic, Alankar, Geetha, Himalaya and Kempegowda. And those running are Bhoomika, Menaka, Abhinay, Santhosh, Nartaki, Anupama (Aparna), Kapali, Movieland and Tribhuvan, and mini-theatresKailash and Sapna.Convention had it that the release of a Kannadafilm would never be deemed complete unless it was released in one of the single-screen theatres in Majestic.
Exhibitor Thomas D’Souza, secretary, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said the number of movies waiting for release in Majestic is only increasing.
“Some directors and producers are releasing films only in suburban areas like Jayanagar, Chamarajpet and Magadi Road, and earning more than what they would have raked in from theatres in Majestic. Yet, releasing movies in Majestic is still considered a prestige issue; the area has a huge floating population and gets good publicity,’’ D’Souza said.
Sandalwood produces an average of 130 movies every year. Besides their small market,they also have to compete with Tamil, Telugu and Hindi movies. Given that only a few theatres are available, filmmakers care little about quality while releasing their films in Majestic. D P Raghuram, director of ShwethaSrivatsva-starrer Fair and Lovely, which is set for release on October 24, said: “Three things matter while choosing a theatre --car parking, rent and basic facilities for the audience. Otherwise, it will be difficult to attract viewers to theatres.’’ Director ‘Mussanje’ Mahesh, whose Belli is set for release, admitted that a main theatre in Majestic is a necessity for big-banner movies. “Perhaps, smaller ones can manage without a theatre in Majestic,” he added.
There now seems to be an alternative to Majestic area. Jayanna, distributor, said, Magadi Road of late is becoming the hub of Kannada movies. “After the Mysore bus stop was shifted, not many people are coming to theatres in Majestic,’’ he claimed.