Bollywood suffers estimated 11.5 mln dlr loss due to rains

MUMBAI, Sunday (AFP)

The rains that have pounded Mumbai for the past week have forced Bollywood studios to close and kept moviegoers at home, causing losses estimated at 500 million rupees (11.5 million dollars) to the world's largest movie-making industry, trade analysts said Sunday.

At least 12 scheduled movie shoots were cancelled while cinemas across the Indian city were empty as people struggled simply to stay alive.

"Entertainment will take a back seat, it is the last thing on peoples' minds in such a situation and box-office collections will take a dive," said trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

"The film industry has suffered losses of well over 500 million rupees through these rains," said industry analyst Vikas Mohan.

"This is due to weak box-office performances, temporary closure of many studios, cancellation of shoots and damage to lighting, costume and film equipment in studio warehouses," Mohan added.

The three low-budget movies released over the weekend, "Yahaan" (Here), "Sehar" (Stroll) and "Sade-sath Phere" (Seven and a half ceremonial marriage circles), all suffered from poor openings and weak ticket sales, analysts said.

The year has already been a tough one for Bollywood. Industry analysts estimated the Hindi-language film industry suffered losses of 1.5 billion rupees (34 million dollars) in the first half of 2005 compared with 800 million rupees for the same period last year due to poor box office takings.

Of the 105 films produced between January and June this year, only 10 were successful or recovered their money at the box office, said Adarsh.

Last week's cloudburst hit the western and central suburban districts of Mumbai, where the entire Bollywood industry -- including stars, producers and studios -- is situated.