Open cinema halls: Multiplex Assn, filmmakers

August 30, 2020 19:59

Several Bollywood producers, actors along with the Multiplex Association of India on Sunday urged the Centre to open the cinema halls, which have remained shut amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The country went into lockdown from March 25 to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

The government started unlocking in phase-wise manner from June with opening up of domestic travel, offices, markets, shopping complexes, etc in non-containment zones

Amid rising COVID-19 cases in the country, under the government's Unlock 4 guidelines, cinema chains have not been given permission to operate.

The official account of Multiplex Association of India tweeted -- under the hashtag "Support Movie Theatres"-- that the cinema industry is not only an inherent part of the country's culture, but also an integral part of the economy, "supporting millions of livelihoods."

"Most countries across the world have allowed cinemas to operate. We request the Government Of India to allow us to operate as well. We are committed to offering a safe and hygienic cinema experience.

"If aviation, metro, malls, wellness and restaurants can be allowed to operate, the cinema industry too deserves a chance," the association wrote.

MAI had last month submitted a set of SOPs to various Central ministries as well as Prime Minister's Office and Niti Aayog.

Producer Boney Kapoor, whose film Maidaan had to be stalled amid the pandemic, took to Twitter and wrote,"#SupportMovieTheatres #SaveCinemas."

He was joined by colleagues from the industry, including actor Parvin Dabas, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota actor Abhimanyu Dassani and Shibasish Sarkar, Group Chief Executive Officer- Content, Digital and Gaming at Reliance Entertainment.

Dabas said cinema halls contribute majorly to the economy and it was important to reopen them.

"We need to get the economy going. Movie halls are a big part of that, they are committed to giving a safe environment to the film goers. Let's open them before it's too late," he wrote.

Abhimanyu, whose film Nikamma was scheduled to release this year, said efforts should be made to to open theatres.

"Let's make it safe enough for the public. Please reopen theatres and bring that magic back to life," the actor tweeted.

Reliance Entertainment's two upcoming releases, Sooryavanshi and 83, stand delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Sarkar said the pandemic has deeply affected those who worked at cinema halls. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Shiv Sena leader's kin booked for bringing phone to counting centre

FIR has also been registered against a polling personnel Dinesh Gurav, who was an Encore (poll portal) operator with the Election Commission.

No need for OTP to unlock EVM, says official; Cong seeks stay on Mumbai result

Suryavanshi said the personal mobile phone of one Dinesh Gurav, the data entry operator of Jogeshwari assembly constituency, was found in the hands of an unauthorised person and action is being taken in this regard.

Ankita wins individual Olympic quota in archery; Deepika flops

Ankita Bhakat outplayed Gabrielle Monica Bidaure of Philippines to enter the quarter-finals of the Final Olympic Qualifier and seal an individual quota for the Paris Olympics.

Terrorism in J-K in decisive phase, reduced to mere proxy war: Amit Shah

The home minister also reviewed the preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage scheduled to begin on June 29.

EVMs in India are 'black box', can't scrutinise, claims Rahul citing Musk

The former Congress president also tagged a post by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in which he talked about eliminating EVMs.