Cinemas across the Gulf face an uncertain Eid Ul Fitr season as escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran casts a shadow over the region.
The holiday, expected to begin on March 19, is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for cinemas. Major exhibitors including Vox Cinemas, Roxy Cinemas, Muvi Cinemas and AMC Cinemas remain open for now, with a packed slate of releases planned for the festive window.
Titles scheduled for release include ‘Hoppers’, ‘Scream 7’, ‘Project Hail Mary’, ‘The Strangers: Chapter 3’, ‘The Bride’, Malayalam comedy sequel ‘Aadu 3’, Hindi-language thriller ‘Dhurandhar 2’ and Pakistani action film ‘Bullah’. However, ongoing missile and drone attacks across parts of the region have raised concerns about public safety and consumer confidence.
Indian action drama ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ has already postponed its regional release from March 19 to June 4, citing “current uncertainty” in the Middle East.
Industry insiders say the situation is being closely monitored. “It’s Ramadan anyway so business drops 80 to 90 per cent, but with the current situation it’s even worse,” said Gianluca Chakra of Front Row Filmed Entertainment, which has Sirāt lined up for Eid. “We’re very much on stand-by.”
Last year, Saudi Arabia generated $25.2 million in the month following Ramadan, compared with $4 million during Ramadan itself, underlining how crucial the holiday period is for the regional box office.
