He also points out that the government hasn't provided any help to keep the single screens afloat. "Today, we have a 4K projection, better seats and the latest sound system, but the government is worried about where they will collect GST and talk about fiscal deficit in revenues. They have requested single screen owners not to shut down but don't understand that everybody has to change with time. Our association [single screen owners association] has made many presentations on how some aid will help us stay afloat but it has fallen on deaf ears."

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Trade analyst Amod Mehra remembers watching many films at Chandan that had opened in 1973. He believes that it is difficult to imagine so many single screens being shut down. "I can understand that it is completely a business decision, but I feel the government needs to step in and save this dying breed and preserve the city's art heritage. It is really sad to hear that many single screens are being forced to shut down."

Shadab Shaikh, an autorickshaw driver, who had just watched Ranveer Singh's Simmba there, said, "This was the only theatre with affordable pricing [currently the ticket rates are in the range of Rs 150-180]. The crowd at Chandan likes to whistle, clap and even abuse which is the real fun."

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