Maharashtra multiplexes await govt’s green signal on reopening

Although the Central government has permitted reopening cinema halls from 15 October, the Maharashtra government is still skeptical about reopening of theatres and no date has been fixed by the authorities for the same.

 The fear factor of the Covid-19 pandemic still looms large, especially given the closed and air-conditioned setting of theatres, while only around 12 states have given the go-ahead for theatres to reopen. 

Multiplexes, cinema halls and theatres have been allowed to reopen in Unlock 5.0, with up to 50 percent of their seating capacity while ensuring contactless operations and maintaining social distancing norms. These operators have lined up “promising contents” to entertain the audiences in the coming festive months.

 Reeling under heavy losses as multiplexes and cinema halls have been shut since March, industry experts said that the closure of cinema halls in Maharashtra beyond 31 October could impact new releases and the business. Mask is compulsory in the cinema theatres with alternate seating occupancy with utmost hygiene to be maintained. All halls are instructed to use the Aarogya Setu app. The temperature to be maintained inside the hall is between 23-30°C. Also, the theatre owners have to make provisions of proper ventilation. 

There was an official statement issued by the Multiplex Association of India, stating urgent permission from the state governments to reopen cinemas in their states and a substantial distance in ensuring that the cinema exhibition sector can quickly recover from the dire economic and financial impact of the epidemic.

 After the Centre’s nod to cinema halls, multiplexes and theatres to open with up to 50 percent seating capacity in areas outside containment zones from 15 October, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) urged state governments, including Maharashtra, to restart operations.

 Currently, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have not allowed cinema halls to reopen until 31 October. On average, Maharashtra’s contribution to the box office is around 30 percent, with Nagpur and Mumbai being two big Hindi movie markets.