NOW, AMMA THEATRES TO OFFER AFFORDABLE ENTERTAINMENT

To be established on vacant lands at various parts of city

Soon, affordable movie tickets for the entire family could ease the load on your budget. Chennai Corporation, on Wednesday, announced the establishment of Amma Cinema Theatres on vacant land in various parts of the city.

Announcing 132 welfare and development schemes in the Corporation Budget 2014-2015, Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said the tickets would be affordable for the poor and the middle class.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has directed officials to devise a strategy to screen new blockbuster feature films in the proposed facilities to be constructed by the civic body, he said.

“Films are among the key entertainment avenues for residents in Chennai. But, most of the cinema theatres operate in commercial neighbourhoods with exorbitant ticket charges. Because of this, the poor and the middle class are unable to have entertainment,” said Mr. Duraisamy.

According to official sources, at least five cinema theatres are likely to be constructed in the first phase in the city.

Abirami Ramanathan, President of Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Federation, said that the federation welcomed the move.

“There is a need for theatres that price tickets at Rs. 10 - Rs. 20… but that can happen only if the government subsidises. The move will help kill piracy and bring back audience to the cinema halls,” he said.

Sources in the civic body said, “We will not be running the theatres, but will give it to somebody to run them. The Corporation will, however, fix the tariff so that people are not fleeced,” he said.

Other schemes include Amma Weekly Markets in 200 wards, Amma Women’s Hostel, Amma Kudineer for residents, Amma Corporation Hostels and Amma Computer Training in the city.