IPL Spotfixing Scandal brings hope to Tamil movies
MC Editorial
Only a handful of Tamil movies have been termed profitable out of 65 releases so far this year. It is no surprise that IPL spot-fixing scandal has brought smiles to some people in the trade who are hoping for revival for Tamil movie industry, which is having a luke-warm year so far.
Tamil movie collections take a nose-dive
Ever since the start of IPL season this year, the business for Tamil films has taken a nose-dive. The collections for movies such as 'Ethirneechal' that opened with positive reviews started skidding unexpectedly right after first weekend. While movies with not-so-positive reviews such as Moondru Per Moondru Kadhal, Naan Rajavaga Pogiren, Gouravam sank without any trace right from the first show. The only exception so far has been ‘Soodhu Kavvum’, which has done much better than trade's expectations due to its low budget.
Due to this disturbing trend, many big movies including Dhanush's 'Maryan' and Sidharth's 'Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru' have cautiously picked a release date after the completion of 6th season of IPL.
Co-existence of IPL and Tamil Movies is proven wrong
Film fraternity were hoping to capitalize on the summer vacation based on confidence given by previous years when IPL and Tamil movies were able to co-exist -- OKOK and Kalakalappu (2012), Ko(2011), Paiyaa(2010), Ayan(2009) emerged solid winners during IPL season. A theatre manager at a leading multiplex said that many movies which started out well couldn't live up to its true potential so far this year. He blamed this phenomenon squarely on IPL monopolizing people's mind and stealing viewership away from Tamil movies.
A Chennai distributor revealed that in the previous years, the collections usually showed a noticeable drop only on the days CSK played. Unexpectedly this year, people have preferred watching most IPL games rather than going to the theatres, irrespective of which team was playing. This year’s IPL has been getting record viewership, thanks to some memorable performances such as Gayle’s 175 not out and numerous last ball finishes. And of course, our home team Chennai Super Kings has been topping the points table.
Finally, IPL's fall brings ray of hope for Tamil Cinema
The spot-fixing scandal has made people question the integrity of IPL. Many cricket fans are now feeling betrayed as investigators suspect that the fixing scandal was not limited to this year’s IPL edition, there is strong evidence that it was just as rampant last season and possibly involving other teams.
The distributors are finally breathing a sigh of relief hoping the dismayed Cricket fans will come back to movie theatres in future. It is unfortunate to hear that Tamil movies had to rely on the shameful fall of IPL to boost the box office collections.
Let us hope that good films find their market and the audience it deserves.