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By Vickey Lalwani Š2004 Bollyvista.com |
The Maharashtra Government has always neglected the film industry, and the trend is still continuing. The exhibitors went on strike in October when the Government rejected their demands. Since then, the Government promised to reduce the entertainment tax by 10 per cent and increase the service charge. The Governor may have approved this decision in December 2003, but sadly, the notification has not been issued as yet, owing to which, the exhibitors have decided on an indefinite closure of cinemas (multiplexes excluded) as of March 19.
It is a matter of great shame that the state, which is the birthplace of the Indian film industry, has a Government that does not even bother about it. Empty promises are the order of the day and the industry is facing heavy weather primarily due to the Government's callous attitude.
The shockingly high entertainment tax is the prime reason for the high rates of cinema tickets, thus attributing to the falling attendance rate in the cinemas. It is incomprehensible why the Government is granting incentives galore for building multiplexes, while single screen cinemas are being conveniently ignored. The Government needs to realize that the richer strata of the society patronize multiplexes while the common man can only afford to visit the single screen cinemas. Cinema is basically the entertainment of the common man and sadly, the welfare of the common man does not seem to have a place on the Government's agenda.
Film business is in a sorry state, with not a single hit so far this year. This situation will go from bad to worse, now that the cinemas have closed down. Better sense must prevail and for the sake of the film industry, the Government should meet the demands and ensure that the exhibitors call off the strike to avoid further losses to the industry. |
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