Pathetic: Single Screen Culture Vanishing?

For a long time, now, the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have celebrated the cinema culture with all their heart. But it appears that this famous single screen culture in the Telugu states slowly, but surely disappearing.

The culture of single screen theatres in India is slowly disappearing, marking the end of an era that once defined the moviegoing experience for millions. These theatres were known for their unique charm, large seating capacities, and affordable ticket prices that made cinema accessible to people from every background.

For decades, they stood as local landmarks where families, friends, and fans gathered to celebrate new releases with unmatched energy. But over the years, changing audience tastes and the rapid rise of multiplexes have pushed many of these iconic theatres into decline.

Multiplexes offer modern facilities, comfortable seating, air conditioning, and multiple screens under one roof. This convenience has drawn younger audiences toward malls and urban entertainment hubs.

At the same time, high maintenance costs, outdated infrastructure, and the inability of single screens to upgrade have made survival difficult. Many owners struggled to recover from the pandemic, and some theatres shut down permanently.

Even in smaller towns, the shift toward digital viewing and fast growing OTT platforms has reduced footfall. As a result, India is witnessing fewer single screen theatres each year. Although these spaces once represented the heart of mass cinema, their future now depends on major reinvention, government support, and sustained audience interest.