The Show Must Go On
Established in 1941, Bharatmata Cinema is the only hall where you can still watch Marathi movies for as little as Rs 60.
There’s only one place you ought to go if you want to watch a Marathi movie in Mumbai. What was once meant as a recreation centre for textile mill workers, Bharatmata Cinema even today continues to offer the cheapest tickets (Rs 55 to 60). Come showtime, you’ll hear some of the loudest cheers and the sharpest whistles from outside the cinema.
In the Family
Kapil Bhopatkar, who has been running the cinema hall since 2000, is the third generation owner and managing partner. His grandfather Sadashiv Bhopatkar took over the reins of Bharatmata Cinema, then named Laxmi Cinema, in 1951. A marketing whiz, Sadashiv was working as a film distributor when he was invited to run it. “When asked to market the silent film Waha in Jabalpur, he borrowed a friend’s plane, flew it over the marketplace and threw pamphlets to spread word,” reveals Kapil. The plan worked, which helped skyrocket Sadashiv’s reputation. “My grandfather changed the name because of the national fervour at the time,” says Kapil. Sadashiv took two major decisions—to slash ticket prices and to screen only Marathi films.
Digital Age
In 2012, the year Bharatmata turned 75, the cinema went digital. Although this has meant better quality, it has also meant that they can no longer screen films from the archives. “Unfortunately, no one is bothered about digitising old Marathi films,” he rues.
What Next
The future of the cinema lies in the hands of the government, says Kapil. The land it is on belongs to the National Textile Corporation. “The lease ran out in 1981, but we are protected under the Rent Act,” he adds. Even so, in 2002, they were served an eviction notice to make way for a mall. Kapil has been fighting the bitter battle for several years and refuses to give up.
At Dr Babasaheb Ambedhkar Marg, Curry Road (E), Railway Chawl, Lower Parel, Mumbai