With close to 1,127 screens shut down across Tamil Nadu in protest against double taxation, Lyca Productions which is producing actor Rajinikanth’s next venture 2.0 , organised a seminar on Wednesday for theatre owners to encourage them to upgrade their technology before the release of the film on January 25.
Stating that similar programmes have been planned throughout the country, Raju Mahalingam, creative head, Lyca Productions, said, “This is a ₹400 crore film made with the latest 3D technology. However, this alone isn't enough. The experience of watching this film will be complete only when theatres are upgraded.”
He also spoke about the latest strike against double taxation. “Our London HQ has asked us not to sign any more projects until there is clarity. We hope and request the State government to abolish this 30% local body tax,” he said.
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Innovation needed
Abirami Ramanathan, managing director, Abirami Mega Mall, and president, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Distributors Association, said theatres have to constantly innovate so as to attract people. “In the age of downloads and rampant piracy, we need to upgrade our theatres with the latest technology to bring people back. There is no other go,” he said.
While expressing the hope that a significant number of theatres would adopt 3D technology, Tiruppur Subramaniam, who has distributed many of Rajinikanth’s movies, said, “Before the release, at least 300 screens would adopt 3D technology. More and more theatres are now adopting sophisticated sounds systems such as Dolby Atmos even in smaller towns. It is great that such movies are being made in Tamil,” he said.
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Several technology companies specialising in 3D technology presented their products to theatre owners during the day long event.