After watching the success of films like ‘Duniyadari’, ‘Shrimant Damodarpant’ & ‘Time Please’ in the recent past, some of the multiplex theatres in Mumbai have already come forward to release their shows even in second and subsequent weeks. But, few theatres like Kulraj Broadway, Borivali, seems to be giving step motherly treatment to some of the Marathi films. On many occasions in the past, this multiplex theatre has found different excuses to cancel the shows of Marathi films, at the eleventh hour, even after issuing add for a particular show.

This time, it was for Sunday 5 pm show of ’72 Miles’ which has been released two days ago. Kulraj Broadway, Borivali, has kept one show at5 pm, along with 21 other shows of this film in other theatres. But, when our representative reached the theatre 15 minutes before the show, he was told that there was no show of ’72 Miles’. On asking for reason, he was told that the AC was not functioning in the concerned hall. There were many inquiries coming at the ticket window and the reply given was simple, that the show was cancelled. It was only on asking for reason this excuse was given. Has anyone ever heard about cancellation of a film show, for this reason ?

Two years ago, when a similar situation had arisen at the same theatre, during the release of Marathi film ‘Jeta’, the theatre had cancelled the only morning show, giving the reason as non functioning of AC. The people waiting at the ticket window for current booking had then protested to the theatre manager, asking him to take them inside cinema hall, and show the position. However, the manager had refused them permission inside. The multiplex has four screens and all of them show Hindi or English films, with only one show left for Marathi films.

But, when they notice no advance bookings, they find such excuses. How can people believe the same excuse for Marathi films ? If a similar situation arises during the screening of a Hindi film, will they cancel the show ? We are all aware that the multiplexes have the Engineers available to attend to such an emergency situation. But, if there is no will to encourage Marathi films, such excuses will always be there. Last time, during the cancellation of ‘Jeta’ show, Marathi Movie World representative had brought this to the notice of Mr. Vijay Darda (MP); since this film was presented by Lokmat Group. He had then directed our complaint to the concerned person in Lokmat group.

This time, we are making an appeal to Viacom 18, who are presenting this film; to take appropriate action against such theatre owners, who find such unconvincing excuses for screening of Marathi films.