Drive-in cinemas and open-air screenings zooming back into popularity amidst the pandemic

By Anuksha Dey

Watching movies on over-the-top (OTT) platforms or on TV has become the new normal during the pandemic. But, for those who miss the experience of the big screen, startups such as Lonely Cow Entertainment and organisations such as Sunset Cinema Club and SteppinOut are providing a safer alternative to the traditional cinema halls by organising outdoor movie screenings. These movie screenings are carried out in open areas such as backyards, courtyards and terraces in popular restaurants and destinations. Some companies have also started drive-in movies which allow you to watch movies on the big screen from the comfort of your cars. 

Safety measures

The events are conducted in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. The number of people attending these sessions is restricted, and masks and sanitizers are compulsory. Sunset Cinema Club and SteppinOut organise physical distanced outdoor movie screenings for all to attend. 

The open-air setting is also safer as it ensures that the air does not get recirculated to prevent the spread of germs. According to WHO, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems must be cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the virus from spreading. At open-air events, moviegoers don’t have to worry about faulty and ill-maintained air conditioning systems. 

Bringing back the drive-in movies

For many in Bangalore, drive-in theatres are shrouded in nostalgia. The concept of watching movies under the stars from the comfort of your car was quite popular in Bangalore in the 1970s and long-time Bangaloreans remember it with a special kind of fondness. These drive-ins have made a comeback in Bangalore in recent years, and more organisations are looking into the concept as a viable option since the pandemic broke out. 

Under The Stars started hosting drive-in cinemas at Dommasandra, off-Sarjapura Road every weekend three years ago. Besides, they have hosted drive-ins at various locations on request. Now, COVID-19 guidelines have forced them to shift to Vema Resort near Nandi Hills. 

SteppinOut Cinemas debuted their first socially distanced drive-in Cinema in July this year. Business Head of SteppinOut Ojal Kulkarni says that open-air screenings were quite popular before the pandemic. But during COVID-19, they had to find a work around and continue entertaining people while keeping their safety in mind. “The first thing that came to our mind was modifying movie screenings for COVID-19 to a drive-in model where people come in with their cars,” she told Residents Watch. “There is no contact with the outside world. Even the food is served through contactless delivery to their car.” They were initially doing the screenings every day of the weekend. Now, the shows are on hold due to the restrictions.
Sunset Cinema Club, which hosts drive-in cinemas in four cities around India, is hoping to start a Drive-in Cinema in Bangalore soon.

Private screenings

Recognising that people might be hesitant to come to ticketed open-air events, Under the Stars, owned by Lonely Cow Entertainment, has started private screenings where the viewers are allowed to select a movie of their choice.

“The response to these private screenings has been positive so far. Our main clients are families and couples who want to enjoy movies on the big screen in a more private and secure setting during the pandemic,” says Abhijit Shah, the founder of Lonely Cow Entertainment. 

Sunset Cinema club which used to organise private outdoor screenings for corporates and studios have also extended this service to individuals and small groups who want to book a show all to themselves.

Where to watch

Since the set up is portable, all three organisations host shows across Bangalore. Sunset Cinema Club holds events at Skydeck VR Bangalore, Hardrock Cafe, and The Hub, among others. Under the Stars holds open-air private screenings at the Courtyard cafe in Lalbagh as well as drive-in cinemas for bigger groups at Vama Retreat near Nandi Hills.

Upcoming screenings

Sunset Cinema is holding an open-air screening of the Christmas season rom-com, Love Actually on December 24 at Gilly’s restro bar on Bannerghatta Road. The tickets start at Rs 300 for every screening. 

“Most shows planned for December were cancelled because the government banned events between 20th December and 2nd January,” says Nikhil J Menon who is in charge of shows in Bangalore for Sunset Cinema. “From January onwards, we will have shows every week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.” 

Private screenings can be requested at Under the Stars this month. These screenings are charged based on the number of people booking them and start at around Rs 7,000 for a show.

Movie halls shutting down amidst the pandemic

A large number of traditional movie halls and theatres have been forced to shut down due to low footfall during the pandemic. Nagashree Narayan, an avid cine enthusiast believes local theatres are not safe to visit now: “They are simply following an alternative seating arrangement, where people are made to leave a seat empty between them. Other than that, they are taking no precautionary measures.” So it is not surprising that most people are looking for new ways to watch movies in a safer manner.

Movie halls vs outdoor cinemas

Some Bangaloreans believe outdoor cinemas can never capture the essence of the movie theatre. Manish Manikandan, a media student says, “Drive-in cinemas provide a more unique and private experience. But in South India, we go to the theatre to celebrate our idols and stars. It is always a festive atmosphere inside the theatre. This is what is lacking in drive-ins.”  

However, others are excited by the prospects. Akshay Kamte, a resident of Koramangala says, “We have always watched movies in closed spaces inside our house or in cinema halls with artificial air cooling systems, and strangers sitting merely one foot away from each other. But this is highly dangerous in the times of COVID-19. Open-air theatres are a much safer and definitely a much more romantic way to watch a movie in 2021.”