![\"'Shame](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130317784,imgsize-63740,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/130317784.jpg\" "\\"Film")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFilm exhibitor Manoj Desai, Executive Director of G7 Multiplex (Gaiety Galaxy) and Maratha Mandir Cinema in Mumbai, has strongly criticised the release strategy of Priyadarshan<\/a>\u2019s Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar<\/a>, alleging that the decision to delay advance bookings is hurting single-screen theatres.Speaking to FilmiFever, Desai said he even tried reaching out to Akshay Kumar regarding the issue.\u201cPehli baat toh sabse badi complaint karni hai… maine Akshay ko try bhi kiya do-teen baar voicemail pe. He should understand this because they have stopped advance booking. Till the show comes out, they want to know first how it is going to do, and then open booking. I am totally against that. That is the only reason I am giving this interview\u2014to protest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Desai didn\u2019t hold back while speaking about the larger impact on single-screen cinemas.\u201cRestriction nahi, humein khatam karna chahte hain. Theatre nahi chalne dete ho\u2014shame on you,\u201d he said.He added that audiences often travel long distances, only to find bookings not open.\u201cLog kahan-kahan se aa rahe hain aur unko pata chalta hai booking khuli hi nahi hai. Why they are doing such injustice with single screens?\u201d he questioned.Commenting on the response to paid previews, Desai said the film hasn\u2019t opened as expected.\u201cJo hona chahiye woh nahi hai… phir bhi inko akkal nahi aa rahi hai. Akshay ko akkal nahi aa rahi hai. This is not the way you are working with theatres,\u201d he remarked. <\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWho Are You Most Scared Of?\u201d Akshay Kumar & Priyadarshan Spill Secrets | Bhoot Bangla<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Drawing comparisons, Desai pointed to the long theatrical run of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.\u201cDDLJ 30-40 saal se chal rahi hai… public kahan-kahan se nahi aati,\u201d he said, emphasising the importance of audience access.He also cited the success of Dhurandhar, claiming its release strategy worked better.\u201cDhurandhar ke time kuch bhi late nahi hua. Advance booking turant khul gayi thi. South wale logon ko akkal hoti hai… yahan koi sense of understanding nahi hai,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Desai also addressed the pricing gap between multiplexes and single screens.\u201cRate kam hai toh bhi public bhaag-bhaag ke aati hai. Aaj ke time pe Rs 500-600 sab nahi de sakte. Economy ka haal dekho… aur aise time pe tum theatre nahi chalne dete ho,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n Calling for industry-wide support, Desai said the issue goes beyond one film.\u201cYeh sirf ek film ka nahi hai, har distributor aisa karta hai. Single screen theatres ko support karna bahut zaroori hai. Agar cinema survive kar raha hai, toh single screens ki wajah se,\u201d he said.Despite the concerns, Desai maintained that exhibitors like him will continue to adapt, even if it means opting for other films to keep theatres running.<\/div>\n‘They want to finish single screens’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Cites DDLJ and Dhurandhar as examples<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
‘Not everyone can afford Rs 500 tickets’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
‘Single screens are the backbone’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n