Surat multiplexes catch the imagination of cine-goers

Surat, the city of diamonds and textiles, is now fast becoming a city of multiplexes.

The city already has two fully operational multiplex theatres and one more is likely to be opened within two months.

The concept of multiplex has proved to be very successful in Gujarat with citizens thronging these centres.

Multiplex was a new concept in the state until a year back, but the past few months saw a number of multiplexes coming up in various parts of the state. There are several factors that have contributed to this. Firstly, it was the tax holiday announced for multiplexes by the state government. While other theatres have to pay heavy entertainment tax, multiplexes have been granted temporary relief.

Secondly, the excellent ambience provided by multiplexes is attracting citizens in large numbers. The facilities at multiplexes are far better than any other theatre in the city.

The two multiplexes in Surat, Valentine Multiplex and City Plus Multiplex, are situated 15-20 kms kms from the city. The tickets are also a bit costlier compared with the theatres. But people don't mind spending that extra bit if they are provided good facilities. said Vishal Patel, a resident of the Udhna area in Surat.

"I am a regular cine-goer. Earlier, I used to go to Rajhans or Kinnary Theatre, but today it is only the multiplexes. Multiplexes screen the latest movies and offer more choice of movies, in addition to a good ambience. There are also food joints, where one can get a variety of food at reasonable rates. So why go to any theatre," he said.

Vishal said, "The multiplexes are situated at some distance from the city, but I look at it as a mini picnic and a good time-out with the family."

Sulekha Rana, an avid movie-watcher, said, "The theatres are mostly located in crowded areas, giving rise to problems such as traffic jams. The multiplexes are situated at Dumas Road, where there is no such problem. My residence is 20 kms from Dumas Road, but I still prefer the multiplexes for the good ambience they offer."

Sulekha said, "It is true that tickets in the multiplexes are a bit costlier, but then if one wants something good, one should be ready to pay that extra bit."

Has the multiplex culture hurt the business of other theatres? According to officials of the entertainment department, the effect is only marginal.

An official of the entertainment department said, "Besides the two multiplexes, there are 20 theatres in Surat city. All these theatres cannot spend money to screen the latest movies, but a majority of them still do good business by catering to different sections of the society. There would be no point in screening a family movie in a theatre situated in an industrial area. Such theatres cater to the demands of the labour class and do good business."

Another official said, "Multiplexes have certainly affected other theatres. Tax collections have decreased in the last few months since the two multiplexes became operational."