7 Differences Between Single Screen and Multiplex Theatres in Mumbai
Indian cinema has always remained an integral part of the lives of Indians. Over many decades, Indian cinema has managed to win the hearts of audiences with lovely movies and melodious songs that remain in our memories.
However, the entire movie-going experience has changed in the past few decades as more multiplexes made their way leading to the downfall of many old theatres in Mumbai. While both single-screen theatres and multiplex theatres offer movie-going experiences to the audiences there are plenty of differences that can influence your experiences.
1. Ticket Rates
Even before we get into further details about the differences between single-screen and multiplex theatres let’s talk about the ticket prices. There is no doubt that one of the most visible differences would be the rate of the ticket.
Single-screen theatres are much more economical compared to multiplexes. Hence, it is likely that you will have to pay double the ticket price when you are going for a multiplex movie experience.
2. Number of Screens
As the name suggests, single-screen theatres have a single screen while multiplexes have more than one screen. In Mumbai, single-screen theatres usually have two movies, one for the matinee show while the main movie screens in the first, second, and third shows.
Most multiplexes generally have 4 to 5 screens screening different movies at the same time offering moviegoers with more options. However, certain theatres like the newly reopened Eros INOX IMAX defy the norms.
3. Vibes
One of the major differences between single-screen and multiplex theatres is the vibe. Historically, single-screen theatres have remained a dominant part of Indian cinema. However, lately, many multiplexes are growing rapidly and replacing the old theatres in Mumbai. Hence, the overall vibe in most single-screen theatres is very retro and it instantly transforms you into the 70s and 80s world. The seats are very classy with a red faux leather cover and wooden armrest. You will also find an usher with a flashlight guiding you to your seat.
On the other hand, multiplexes have stylish interiors and décor and they exude a lot of sophistication and modern vibe. The interiors and the décor are plush and the seating is more akin to an armchair with armrests having a cupholder. Most multiplexes have backlit markings for rows and seats and therefore you will rarely find an usher in a multiplex.
4. Seating Style
Single-screen theatres generally occupy a huge chunk of the building and therefore the seating is divided into stall and balcony sections. In some theatres, the balcony section is further divided into a balcony and dress circle. Not all single-screen theatres have a downward slope in the stall section that you find in the majority of multiplexes.
However, multiplexes do not have these sections mainly because they are located inside a shopping mall. Most multiplexes divide their ticket prices based on rows. The front rows are comparatively a bit lower in price than the rear ones and the sections are generally named as silver, gold and platinum.
5. Lobby Experience
When you are headed for a movie in Mumbai, your experience begins the moment you enter the theatre. Single-screen theatres have a very old-school classy retro vibe which I mentioned above. Hence, it is likely that you would see picture boards of the current movie, banners of upcoming movies, a showcase displaying some of the awards, old tiled floors, and timeless Art Deco interiors.
On the other hand, the moment you walk into a multiplex you can find huge LCD panels displaying advertisements and upcoming movie trailers, fancy lighting, and snack counters with rates that can instantly give you a migraine.
6. Sound Experience
While many single-screen theatres in Mumbai did invest in excellent sound systems they still cannot compete with the highly-sophisticated audio technology that multiplexes offer.
Even in the multiplex segment, you will find certain multiplexes that offer far superior audio experiences like Dolby Atmos and AmpliX which can make a huge difference when enjoying a movie on a big screen.
7. Online Tickets
It is hard to imagine life without the internet today. Heck, without the internet you would not be reading this post as well. In this day and age, most single-screen theatres do not offer an online ticket-buying experience and that too is one of the major differences especially when we all lead a busy lifestyle.
On the other hand, buying a movie ticket in a multiplex is extremely easy. Most multiplexes have official websites to book tickets or you can use any of the ticket-booking platforms and book your tickets any time of the day.
