The COVID-19 crisis has hit every spectre of the business hard and among the worst affected are the theatre owners who have had to face the brunt of the cruel pandemic. Theatres across India have been shut to avoid mass gatherings to curb the spread of the virus. In order to avoid more losses the Multiplex Association of India and single-screen owners have appealed the Centre and state governments, urging them to reopen theatres by June 30. The association has also intimated them of the safety measures that will be adopted in theatres across the country.
Abhimanyu Bansal, who runs the multiplex chain Entertainment Paradise in Jaipur told Mid-Day, “We are hoping that theatres will reopen between June 15 and June 30, once the government approves the guidelines submitted by the industry.” He also said, “At the onset, we might be allowed only 50% occupancy.” In the letter submitted to the Centre and state governments, the association has mentioned about deep-cleaning of auditorium seats on a daily basis and temperature checks of audience etc. The makers of number of big budget films like Sooryawanshi, 83 and awaiting the opening of theatres to release their films.