Bahrain
AN
Indian film is proving so popular in Bahrain that it is
the only movie being shown at two theatres and tickets
are selling on the black market. Sivaji - The Boss stars
Rajinikanth, one of the highest paid actors in India,
along with Vivek, Suman and Shreya. The Tamil movie was
first released at Al Hamra Cinema on Friday, but proved
so popular that screenings started at Awal Cinema, said
Bahrain Cinema Company marketing and public relations
head Sunil Balan.
All
four shows in each theatre saw 0 per cent occupancy,
with almost 90pc of seats booked on Wednesday.
"This
movie has made a historic mark in Bahrain because it is
the first time that more than one theatre is showing
only one movie over and over," said Mr Balan.
"Previously, a movie would be shown at Al Hamra and Awal
on the same days, but not for all the shows.
"This
is also the first time we have experienced 0pc occupancy
in our theatres for any movie just an hour after the
release.
"The
seats for all the shows at both theatres are 90pc booked
already for the next week - a record.
"We
have never experienced anything like this before and our
decision seems right."
Mr
Balan added the movie was expected to run in Bahrain for
at least a month and nearly 5,000 people saw it on
Friday alone.
He
admitted hearing that tickets for the movie were being
sold on the black market, but wouldn't comment further.
"I've
heard that tickets for the movie are being sold on the
black market," he said.
"We
don't want it to happen and are thinking of putting a
check on it."
Accountant Vijay Kumar, who saw the debut show, told the
GDN that the long wait was worth it.
"The
long wait is not a waste; the hype is not a facade," he
said.
"The
hullabaloo is not hogwash - Rajinikanth has proved
himself.
"The
movie is simply stunning, splendid and superb.
"It
surpasses all expectations and wins over all hearts.
"It is
fantastic, wonderful and admirable. Passions soar.
Spirits run high. Breathtaking moments flash every now
and then - words indeed cannot describe the movie and
it's the effect on you.
"Sivaji
is Rajini's best."
Construction worker R Palanisami who also saw the movie
on Friday said he doesn't regret paying BD5 for a ticket
on the black market.
"Some
of us had to pay BD5 for a ticket to watch the movie
because we are die-hard fans of Rajinikanth," he said.
"We
only get an off day on Friday and paid a taxifare to get
to Manama from Durrat Al Bahrain.
"We
have also conducted prayers at the temple for Sivaji to
be a great hit and our prayers have been answered.
"This
film is titled Sivaji to commemorate the memory of late
actor Sivaji Ganesan.
"Another interesting point is the real name of Rajini is
Sivaji Rao."
A
company supervisor P Ashok, who does not understand the
language well, said he could understand the hype.
"I was
apprehensive to be honest because I am not a Rajini fan
and could never understand the frenzy that he whips up
every time his movie is released," said Mr Ashok.
"But
catching Sivaji on the first day, I could understand why
after I saw it. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly despite
the language barrier.
"Several people, despite not having tickets, were
present just to partake in the fun."
Some of
the biggest icons of the Indian film industry came
together for the movie, including director Shankar,
music director A R Rahman and AVM Productions.
In the
movie, which runs for three hours and six minutes,
Rajinikanth plays Sivaji, the one-man demolition squad
against black money.
It is
the most expensive film ever made in the history of
Indian cinema, costing Rs950 million (BD9m), and was
released at an estimated 900 screens worldwide.
In
every country it was released, tickets sold out for the
first two weeks.
The
film took 19 months to be completed and missed its
original screening date of May 31.
begena@gdn.com.bh
Courtesy :
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=185443&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30089 |