Summer usually means blockbuster movie releases, but this year, theaters in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are facing a tough time. Many single-screen theaters have closed due to a lack of new releases, and even some multiplexes have followed suit. The situation has been grim since last week.
In Tamil Nadu, the situation is even worse. Single-screen theaters there have shut down completely because there are no new movies to show. This issue came to light recently, revealing the severity of the crisis. Despite a few Pongal releases, they didn't perform well, causing more losses than gains.
After Sankranti, the scenario changed slightly with some re-releases, giving a few theaters a chance to open. However, now even that opportunity has vanished. With no major releases and scorching heat, Tamil Nadu exhibitors have closed single-screen theaters entirely. They might remain shut for the rest of the month.
June has a few re-releases scheduled, which might allow some theaters to open, but no major releases are expected until June 12th, when "Indian-2" hits the screens. Even that buzz might last only a week or so. Big stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have movies in the making, but their releases are still far off. Vijay's "Great" is in post-production, and Ajith's movies are in a similar state. "Thangalaan" is ready but delayed. Until these films are released, theaters in Kollywood will remain quiet, and viewers will have to turn to OTT platforms for their entertainment.
