Pune: Audience Frustration Over Cancellation of “Kalki 2898 AD” IMAX Screening at Cinepolis Westend Mall
Pune, 30th June 2024: Pune witnessed disappointment among moviegoers as the highly anticipated film “Kalki 2898 AD,” featuring a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, faced an unexpected setback. The film premiered in theaters on Thursday but encountered a major hiccup at the IMAX screening hosted by Cinepolis Westend Mall.
Audience Frustration Over Cancellation of “Kalki 2898 AD” IMAX Screening at Pune’s Cinepolis Westend Mall.@PrabhasRaju @TrendsPrabhas@PrabhasRules @HailPrabhas007#Pune #Kalki2898AD #Prabhas𓃵 #Kalki pic.twitter.com/gM5qJzABCg
— Punekar News (@punekarnews) June 30, 2024
Frustration escalated when the IMAX screening, scheduled from 8:30 to 11:30 AM, was abruptly canceled, leaving patrons who had eagerly awaited the experience feeling let down. A video circulating on social media captured the discontent of moviegoers confronting the theater management. One attendee expressed dismay over the lack of prior communication about alternative screening options, citing disruptions to their schedules, including taking half-day leave from work.
“We all took half-day leave from our jobs to come here,” voiced one disgruntled attendee. “You should have informed us about another theater option.”
In response to the cancellation, demands for compensation were raised, with one patron insisting on receiving 10 vouchers per person if an alternative screening couldn’t be arranged. Furthermore, attendees asserted that any movie watched subsequently should be covered by the theater, and refreshments after 11:30 AM should be complimentary.
The incident gained traction on social media platforms, with Pavan Khedkar highlighting the issue in a post, stating, “My IMAX show got cancelled. This is not good. People are angry with the theater management. Big letdown. IMAX Pune.”
The cancellation sparked widespread discussion online, with users sharing their own frustrations and recounting past issues with Cinepolis Westend Mall. Comments ranged from criticizing the management’s handling of the situation to praising alternative theaters like Inox Mall of the Millennium.
The fallout from this incident underscores the challenges faced by theaters in managing premieres and maintaining customer satisfaction amidst high expectations from movie enthusiasts. As discussions continue, patrons await further clarity and assurances from Cinepolis regarding future screenings and compensation measures.
