Fans eager to catch Ajay Devgn's latest thriller, 'Drishyam The Conclusion', are driving an unusual trend in Indian cinema. Exhibitors across Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad have opened bookings for post-midnight and early morning shows, even before the film's official release on October 2.
This move highlights the significant demand for the third installment in the popular franchise. Unlike the 2022 release 'Drishyam 2', where late-night shows were added only after the opening day began, bookings for these special screenings commenced on October 1, following strong advance ticket sales.
Midnight Screenings Expand Across Key Cities
In Mumbai and its surrounding areas, several prominent multiplexes have added midnight slots. These include PVR Lower Parel, Cinepolis Seawoods, Metro Inox, and various Inox and Maxus locations across Ghatkopar, Borivali, Malad, Goregaon, Kurla, Juhu, Andheri, Panvel, and Dombivali. Maxus Bhayander has even extended its schedule to almost round-the-clock, with shows running from 12:35 am to 5:05 am.
The trend extends beyond Mumbai. Pune theaters like Inox Megaplex Wakad, PVR Phoenix Market City, Cinepolis Seasons Mall, and other Inox and PVR venues in Chinchwad, Hinjawadi, and Akurdi are also hosting post-midnight shows. Ahmedabad is similarly responding to the demand, with Connplex Prahladnagar, Classic Cinema Gandhinagar, PVR Motera, and other local cinemas scheduling early screenings.
High Demand Despite Premium Ticket Prices
Exhibitors anticipate that more cinemas in other cities will follow suit and add late-night shows as the release day progresses, given the overwhelming response to advance bookings. Industry sources indicate that despite higher ticket prices, demand for 'Drishyam The Conclusion' remains robust, with tickets reportedly priced on par with major releases like 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and 'Dhurandhar The Revenge'.