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Santhosh Chandran
DOHA
ASIAN Town has emerged as the new hub of Indian cinema buffs in Qatar. Theatres are packed to their capacities, especially on premier shows of new releases featuring popular stars.
Besides, fan clubs of Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films have been formed to support films in their respective languages through social media and by organising glittering functions on the day of the release of a film.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, an official of Asian Town Cinema operation said,"Indian language films are always big crowd pullers. Indian films are not only popular among Indian expatriates, but also among Nepali and Sri Lankan communities. Big stars of India have huge fan followings in the expat communities and their films draw big crowds to Asian Town theatres. Watching films is more than just entertainment for these viewers."
Patron of Fun Day Club Subramanya Hebbagelu said,"Indian films, whether Hindi or regional language films, have a sizeable number of viewers all over the world. Considering this popularity of Indian films among the masses, we are planning to form an umbrella organisation for all fans associations."
It is worth mentioning here that the grand welcoming event and the premiere show of Rajanikanth's latest Kaala organised recently in Doha by Tamil Makkala Mandala, had attracted large number of fans.
A member of Qatar Mammootty Fans & Welfare Association International,which is currently preparing for the celebration of Mammootty starrer Malayalam film Abrahaminte Santhathikal, Adel Dilshad said,"Fan clubs play an important role in promoting films these days and creating a vibrant entertainment culture. The events organised by the fan clubs not only boost films but also give an opportunity to film lovers to understand the cinematic art form."
