Big Screen Experience In India Losing Its Charm?

Going to the cinema is more than recreation for most of the Indian audience. We enjoy watching a film in a dark auditorium along with hundreds of others. We crave an immersive experience whenever we visit a cinema theatre. A laser-sharp projector and standard sound system provide the best visuals and stunning audio.

Unfortunately, many cinema chains and single screens in India do not care about maintaining minimum standards in theatres and are giving sub-par experiences to audiences.

In many areas, including the metro cities, most of the theatres project films in a dull, low-brightness, and low-contrast manner. Many cinematographers and filmmakers complain that watching films in theatres has become a nightmare these days as many home projectors and even mobile phones are giving more colours and brightness than theatre projectors.

There are two types of projectors: lamp projectors, which are old, and the new laser projectors. Reportedly, most of the theatres in India, including many screens in PVR and INOX chains, use lamp projectors even now. It was reported that some exhibitors deliberately use projectors on a low brightness level to extend the bulb’s life. They also do it as a part of cost-cutting.

Meanwhile, netizens on social media argue that people have become more tech-knowledgeable these days and they crave a premium experience when they visit theatres. They are not ready to come to theatres to watch films in sub-par quality when the projection is dull. They prefer watching it on their home theatres or on mobile phones with headphones in the worst case.

Netizens are also suggesting people visit multiplexes that are less than 4 years old to get the best experience. They opined that after 3-4 years, the projectors start fading and won’t give an immersive experience to viewers.

It was opined that Hyderabad is the best among metros in giving a premium theatrical experience, with many multiplexes and even single screens having 4K laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound system. It was stated that while national chains like PVR and INOX are still coming up with 2K screens in many areas, local chains like Asian and Prasads are giving a premium experience with the latest screens.