Thithi gets good response, but few multiplex screens

On the first day of its theatrical release, Raam Reddy’s Thithi got an overwhelming response from the city’s audience despite heavy rains. It seems like those who missed the film at the 8 Bangalore International Film Festival showed up in multiplexes to watch the much-discussed film.

However, the film managed to get only one show at each multiplex despite the distributors seeking more screens. Reddy was encouraged and elated with the response on the first day, but confessed that the buzz that the film generated did warrant more screens at multiplexes. “We asked the exhibitors for as many shows as possible at each multiplex. However, they gave us only one show each. Given that, we chose the prime-time show,” said Raam Reddy.

“Of course, we did not plan a wide release. We wanted to grow organically. But at the same time, we do think the response to the trailer and the buzz after the National Award for the film is great and hence more screens will certainly help the film’s viewership. Especially, when there are certain other films that have managed to get more than one show at the multiplex having released on the same day as us.”

The only morning show (10.30 a.m.) was at Sapna Theatre in Majestic. Considered to be a multiplex film, the response at Sapna was expectedly lukewarm. “If Thithi manages to get more screens in the coming weeks, it will create a precedent for other independent films to get wider viewership,” said Raam Reddy.

Pitch by filmmakers

In a Facebook post, filmmaker Pawan Kumar appealed to audiences in Karnataka to watch the film on this weekend to ensure that it runs for another week at least. “Didn't get tickets at BIFF…(or) when it played at New York….please watch it in good numbers in the first week.. so it stays strong in the second … and I can come back and watch it,” he posted from the USA.

Anurag Kashyap recommended the film on Twitter, “Thithi is that one film that I have seen thrice and I can see it any number of times. Don’t miss this gem. Everyone in Bengaluru, Mysore and other parts of Karnataka, one of the funniest films that I have seen in recent times ‘Thithi’ releases today.”