PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The much-awaited film Border 2 hit screens on Friday, coinciding with the Vasant Panchami celebrations. In Dehradun, contrary to expectations, the opening day shows saw low turnout and bookings at several theatres. Snowfall in Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Chakrata played spoilsport, said the owners of the cinemas which are screening the film.
Silver City’s Mahesh Panwar said that despite the festival release, footfall remained far below expectations due to the rain. “Only around 30 to 40 people turned up for the morning show. Because of the rainfall, the footfall was much lower than expected. Had the weather been clear, the opening-day collections would have been much stronger,” he said. The impact of the snowfall was clearly visible on the roads leading to Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Chakrata, where long queues of vehicles and heavy traffic congestion were reported throughout the day.
Kulvant Singh of Fun Cinema said that around 48–50 people had attended the afternoon show in the 527-seat hall. “Had there been no rain, the show would have been housefull,” he said.
Actor Sirjan Singh, who is also a part of Border 2, said that he was unable to watch the film due to rain and traffic congestion. “I had booked tickets for the evening show, but because of the rain and massive traffic jams, I couldn’t go,” he said.
The theatre owners are, however, hopeful that if weather conditions normalise in the coming days, the film’s business is likely to pick up.
