Cricket in 3D sparks heated debate in India

With the third season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) around the corner, IPL chairman Lalit Modi is contemplating screening the semi finals and finals in 3D at various multiplexes.

According to reliable sources Modi this move has sparked off a controversy with producers and multiplex owners.

Sources in the industry circles have it that it is the super success of James Cameron’s Avatar that inspired Modi to come up with this unique idea. “Suddenly there is this 3D fever that’s caught up with people in a big way. Modi felt that to watch cricket in 3D would be a unique experience too,” said a source close to Lalit Modi.

“During the IPL matches there are as it is few releases. This will make matters worse,” said a disgruntled producer on conditions of anonymity. However on the other hand producer Mukesh Bhatt begs to differ. He cites the example of his film Jannat released on May 16, 2008 during the IPL matches.

“The film was a hit and IPL could not eat into the profits of my film,” says Bhatt. He further adds that IPL matches have limited viewership. “The audience to watch cricket on screen is very limited.

"People want to watch it in the close confines of their home. But that is not the case with the movies. Films are patronised perpetually,” he says.

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When questioned multiplex reactions varied. Devang Sampat, sr VP, Cinemax said: “It will definitely be something to look forward to as there are few film releases during the IPL season and to screen IPL live in 3D will be draw the audience to the theatres like bees to a flower.”

While agreeing on one hand, Utpal Acharya, VP Programming and Distribution, Inox Leisure said: “It is a very innovative offering and is bound to attract audiences to the theatres, however, screening of cricket matches in 3D may spell doom for film producers who decide to release their film during that weekend.” Acharya added that the technical details are still to be worked out as special projectors will be required.

Interestingly, there are no film releases lined up from April 21 to 24. “We want to avoid this clash. In fact we have termed that Friday as Black Friday,” said a producer.

Noted producer and Venus music baron Ratan Jain in an interview to Digital Studio said: “I would never go to watch a cricket match in the theatre immaterial whether 2D, 3D or 4D. For me a cricket match is to be enjoyed within the luxury of my house. Also, people do not stop themselves from watching a film during this time. If they want to see a movie, they will see it anyways.”

Manoj Desai, chairman, Gaiety, Galaxy, Gemini and Maratha Mandir sums up the issue concisely. “The success of the 3D screening of the IPL matches will depend on the quality of the telecast. Also, I feel that movies have a very strong fan base. I don’t think people will give up watching them just because of the IPL matches,” said Desai.