Sudarshan 35mm: ‘Seating distancing’ & the near-term future of cinemas

For the past 48 hours or so, a couple of pics claiming to be of the famous Sudarshan 35mm theatre in Hyderabad have been doing the rounds on the Internet.  WhatsApp forwards have made it a viral image.  What is so interesting about it?

The image shows that the seating arrangement inside the theatre has been rearranged to ensure physical distancing.  A 3ft distance between every two seats has been ensured so that the theatre can restart its operations as and when cinema halls are allowed to be reopened in the country (and Telangana).

As per the buzz in trade circles, the Sudarshan 35mm model is likely to be followed by all single screens in the Telugu States.  There is no other way to go for exhibitors.    

Most single screens will likely function at 50 percent capacity for the rest of the year or until the time they are required to.  Since footfalls are expected to fall drastically due to Covid-related fears, there will possibly be no shortage of seats except in the opening days of a new, important release.  There are rumours that theatres will be allowed to hike ticket prices.  By what per cent will the prices be spiked is to be seen.