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Movie theatres in Sivakasi

by Melanie Ratcliff, USA.

As most know, the movie industry has and continues to be a truly essential part of Indian culture. However in Tamil Nadu that importance is even more apparent, and visiting five of Sivakasi's local theaters shows its significance. These theatres included the Rasi Theatre, Thangamani Theatre, Laksham Theatre, Chinnakani, and the Palaniandavar Theatre. All were family owned and some, such as the Thangamni which has been open for nearly 40 years, have passed through four generations of ownership. Since their start the theatres have seen the small town of Sivakasi grow tremendously both in its culture and technology. In fact the movie industry of Tamil Nadu has grown such that outside films are now routinely dubbed in Tamil. Movie stars are becoming so popular that some use their influence in the polls and a few have run for political office. However the movie theatres have not all been profiting from this boom - the introduction of television and especially satellites have cut their numbers and profits nearly in half.

The modern Tamil movie industry has become quite a success all over India. Some of the more recent blockbusters include Ayan, written and directed by K.V. Anand and starring Surya Sivakumar, Padikathavan, staring Dhanush, and Naan Kadavul, written and directed by Bala, starring Arya. These movies generate countless revenue and much needed business for locally owned movie theatres throughout the state. Their popularity also helps some stars in the political aspect of their careers.

Since the late fifties and early sixties, the popularity of being a movie star in Tamil Nadu has been helping political leaders win over votes in the polls. Some of the better known include Former Chief Ministers M.G.R, Jayalalitha, and Kalaignar. Presently Vijaya Kanth has a significant influence on Tamil culture and politics.

The National Film Development Corporation has also benefited from the popularity of movies among young audiences. Certain movies created specifically for a younger viewing audience endorses such things as government cooperation, anti-theft, and generally admirable qualities in an ideal Indian youth. They are shown in local theatres to schoolchildren who rarely venture out to see films due to their easy access at home through satellite television.

In fact since Sivakasi first started receiving satellite transmissions about twenty years ago, the movie industry has experienced a heavy decrease in their numbers. Most of the movie theatre owners confess they mostly cater to a male audience now because the women and children stay at home and watch movies through their personal television sets. Perhaps this is why western-dubbed movies, which are popular in India, have primarily become action movies with lots of gunfights and, of course, explosions. Some of these include the ever popular Jackie Chan flicks and recent blockbusters such as Terminator Salvation. But the fact remains that the importance of everyday movie theatres is dwindling here in Tamil Nadu, and the ticket sales which once fed the families of those who owned them are feeling that effect tremendously.

So get out there and support your local theatres! Here are the showing times of the theatres in Sivakasi and their specific ticket prices.

Theatre Pricing Showtimes The Rasi 10 Rs. general seating 4.5 Rs. for women 3pm, 7pm, 10:30pm 7 days a week The Thangamani 10 Rs. for front seating 20 Rs. for middle 30 Rs. for back 10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm, 10:30pm 7 days a week The Laksham 5 Rs. for front seating 10 Rs. for back Mon-Sat 7pm, 10pm Sun 2:30pm, 7pm, 10pm The Chinnakani 12 Rs. general seating 2:30pm, 6:30pm, 10:30pm 7 days a week The Palaniandavar 20 Rs. for front seating 30 Rs. for back 10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm, 9:30pm 7 days a week