RUNNING ON EMPTY

Even though he was expecting a “small opening”, Sanjeev Bijli, joint managing director of PVR Ltd, was disappointed when he heard the collection figures for October 15. On that day, cinemas had reopened after seven months, but at only 50 per cent seating capacity and screening old films. For the moment, Bijli has pinned his hopes on West Bengal where producers released new titles in time for Durga Puja, a sought-after release window in Kolkata’s film calendar. Satadeep Saha, director of SSR Cinemas, which has 13 theatres across West Bengal, had 10 fresh Bengali titles when he opened on October 21. “We (which earned around Rs 40 lakh over a five-day run) and (Rs 30 lakh) as the biggest draws, bringing film buffs back to theatres.