A multiplex in Sydney had to drop The Da Vinci Code for the Aamir Khan starrer due to huge public demand.
A multiplex in Sydney had to drop The Da Vinci Code for the Aamir Khan starrer due to huge public demand
SYDNEY: Movie-lovers thronged mainstream cinemas, queuing for hours in the rain and cold, to watch the much awaited Fanaa, but many were greeted with “Sold Out” digital boards.
Until now, one could walk into a cinema minutes before the screening and almost enjoy a near private screening, but does this Aamir-Kajol starrer mark the beginning of queuing for Hindi films in Sydney?
As Marcus Georgiades, CEO of M G Distribution, credited with bringing Indian films into mainstream Australian cinemas says, “Indian cinema has certainly come of age in Australia. MG Distribution has now screened over 60 of India’s finest films over the past three years.
The films are screened in state of the art multiplexes and are released on the same day as in India.”
“Fanaa has been amazing, one multiplex even had to drop a session of The Da Vinci Code to add an extra screening of the film due to huge demand. The audience comprising 80 per cent expatriates and 20 per cent Aussies shows many Australian’s have fallen in love with Indian cinema”, adds Georgiades.
This was the second largest opening weekend ever for a Hindi film. The only other film that attracted record-breaking crowds was the Indian-Australian co-production, Salaam Namaste. However, NRI produced films like Monsoon Wedding and Bend it Like Beckham have had overwhelming success.
In recent years, Australia and New Zealand have become popular filming locations with Indian producers and directors. A natural corollary to it has been the growing interest of Australians in Indian cinema.
“Indian cinema is so exotic — the music, the culture, the costumes. In Australia, there is a need for diverse cinema as we are bored with Hollywood,” says Justine, who was hoping to get a ticket despite being at the tail end of the queue at Hoyts Cinema Paris in Fox Studios here.
Until 2002, when with Saathiya and Kaante M G Distribution began distributing films in mainstream cinemas, it was a long ride to one of the suburban theatres, if one were to watch a Bollywood film and that also only on a weekend.
Despite huge interest, the film itself hasn’t impressed the viewers much, but for the cast and photography. The latter did make many feel nostalgic.
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