IPL matches at Eden Gardens lead to empty multiplexes

The Indian Premier League's overwhelming response in terms of ratings has seen a lot of cine-goers in Kolkata stay away from movie theatres and opt for the three-hour Kolkata Knight Riders cricket matches at home or in the stadium.

According to industry analysts, an estimated drop of Rs 10 crore could be expected for the movie theatre owners in the city. Typically Friday, Saturday and Sunday are critical in terms of revenue generation for the entertainment industry.

However, considering the current level of cricket frenzy in the city, the leading multiplex and standalone theatre managers of Kolkata feel that this will have an impact on the 3pm, 6pm and 9pm shows, which are the key drivers for raking in revenues.

"The IPL matches have affected our business by at least 10 per cent both during weekdays and weekends on the nights Kolkata Knight Riders have taken the field," said an official with the Fame Cinemas in Kolkata.

The average footfall at Kolkata multiplexes during weekends is between 3,000 and 5,000, while weekdays witness 1,000-2500 footfall.

Consumers spend Rs 170 on an average per ticket during the peak hours at the major multiplexes in the city, while that of standalone theatres is in the range of Rs 80-150. For standalone movie theatres like Priya and Menoka, business is affected by around 30 per cent on days when Kolkata Knight Riders take the field, be it at Kolkata's Eden Gardens or in any other city."Our business has gone down," confirmed Pranab Roy, the owner of Menoka cinema.

However, according to Arijit Dutta, director of Priya Entertainment that owns Priya theatre in the city, "Priya records highest footfalls in May with schools and colleges closed for summer vacation. Hopefully, the losses will not affect any more."

Agreed Vikas Syal, regional general manager of INOX Forum, "With releases like Bhootnath, Jannat, Chronicles of Narnia, and Speed Racer lined up in May, the movie-buffs of Kolkata will not miss them for anything."

The TAM ratings say it all. The opening IPL match on April 18 between Bangalore and Kolkata scored 8.21 and has maintained an average of a 6-plus rating since.