Lahore: Security concerns may leave cinemas empty

[Naveed Yaseen]

* Three cinemas exhibiting Indian films, two exhibiting local fare
* Residents say current security situation does not encourage gatherings of large crowds

By Adnan Lodhi

LAHORE: Security concerns may deprive the city’s cinemas of their expected audience on Eidul Azha, as several people believe that the circumstances do not support attending cinemas that are playing Indian films.

Three cinemas of the city have announced plans to exhibit the Indian film ‘Yuvvraaj’ on Eidul Azha, however most cinemas have chosen to exhibit only Pakistani films. In previous years, the popular cinemas of the city, including the DHA Cinema, SOZO World, Metropole, Gulistan Cinema and Odeaon, have been the destination of choice for most families celebrating the Eid festivities. In response to the families that visit the cinemas on these occasions, the cinemas have opted to exhibit movies that will be of maximum interest to the entire family.

This year, DHA Cinema, SOZO World and Plaza Cinema are exhibiting the Indian film ‘Yuvvraaj’ in addition to the movie ‘Dostana’. ‘Yuvvraaj’ is expected to attract a large audience as it features famed Indian film director Subhash Ghai and an all-star cast of Salman Khan, Aneel Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan. An official of the DHA Cinema told Daily Times that it was the administration’s plan to show ‘Dostana’, ‘Yuvvraaj’, and ‘Madagascar 2’ to offer the audience a diverse array of movies to choose from. He said that the cinema had exhibited the Indian movie ‘Drawna’ on Eidul Fitr in addition to a local movie and had discovered that the audience does not enjoy the local fare. He said that this Eid, the administration had responded by showing only Bollywood and Hollywood films. Similarly, an official of SOZO World in Fortress Stadium said that a majority of families and youth came to Fortress on Eid. He said that the administrators had decided to exhibit ‘Yuvvraaj’ and possibly ‘Dostana’ to accommodate the audience. The cinemas that are showcasing local films include Guilstan (Wahshi Gunda); Odeen (Majajan); Capital Cinema (Zidi Badmash); Metropole (Gunda Punjab Da); and Prince Cinema (Allah uty Doriyan).

Security concerns: However, the audience at the cinemas may not be up to previous years, as several people told Daily Times that it is not good to gather in large groups in the present security situation. Mirza Jabbar, a resident of the city, said that he used to visit cinema on Eid in the past but this year’s circumstances were not positive and people did not want to go to cinemas because of the security risk. Similarly, Mushtaq Qurahi, another resident, said that a bomb had exploded in Iqbal Town on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, adding that he is praying to God to spare the city of any such incident on Eidul Azha. He said that he had advised his family members to avoid going to the cinema.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...008_pg13_5