LB Sriram’s tribute to single screens

Writer, director, actor Lb Sriram is seldom seen in films these days and has been picky with his role selection over the last few years. He is using most of his time to direct, produce several short films for his YouTube channel, which has earned considerable popularity among netizens with nearly 1.5 lakh subscribers. His latest short is IMAX 1980s, a nostalgic tribute to single-screen owners and the past glory of many theatres across the Telugu states that are forced to shut shop.

The short film is about a theatre owner in Vellaturu, who’s unable to adapt to the times and meet the expenses to screen current-day films. In most situations, he’s the only spectator in his theatre that showcases yesteryear films of popular actors. He’s managing many roles in the theatre – maintaining it, selling tickets and the first person to arrive at the theatre, obviously the last one to leave it as well. He thrashes a spectator who suggests him to screen erotic films for easy money.

IMAX 1980s ends with a shot of the owner sticking the poster of Shankarabharanam on the standees. The film doesn’t comment why such theatres have come to that position but is sympathetic about its owners who share a deep bond with it. Navneeth Krishna B has scripted and directed the short, produced by Lb Sriram (who has also penned the screenplay) and the music composed by Snehalatha Murali.