What to expect when movie halls reopen from October 15
Unlock 5.0 is particularly relieving for cinema buffs in India. After all, the Union Home Ministry has given a nod to theaters reopening outside the containment zones, albeit with no more than 50% occupancy. October 15 is the day when we return to multiplexes, entertainment parks, swimming pools, and even schools with peak safety in mind. Let's see what theatres have in store.
We have Wonder Woman 1984, Tenet, No Time To Die, Sooryavanshi and several other crowd-pulling titles that are set to make their Indian debut on domestic theater screens. One must certainly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to prevent the possibility of another outbreak at theatres. Sanitization and masks are compulsory at the venues.
However, Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst affected state by the pandemic and thus, the state government has taken a different stand on reopening theaters. The Uddhav Thackeray-led government has instructed theaters to remain closed till October 31. Meanwhile, keeping up the spirit, director Ram Gopal Varma has announced that his film Coronavirus will be the first to screen post lockdown.
Naturally, the Multiplex Association of India has welcomed the announcement by the Home Ministry "wholeheartedly." "We are committed to ensure a safe, secure and a hygienic cinema going experience for the movie lovers of our country, as always, we would continue to assign top-most priority to the health and well-being of our guests and employees," the association stated in a statement.
Separately, Chief executive officer of PVR, Gautam Dutta said the new normal is being accepted at varying degrees worldwide and it is wise to move on with safety. "You have to wear a mask while buying the food, but once you're in your seat you're free to not wear it and enjoy the movie...This is the new way for a movie experience," he said.
