New Delhi: The Centre has given the green signal for cinemas to reopen in a new COVID-19 normal October 15 onwards. However, for cinemas to reopen rigorous dos and don’ts have to be followed. The theatre owners are getting ready to follow the rules. But they believe it may be a while before audiences get to see a new movie.
Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar announced the SOPs that cinema halls must put in place before they open. Cinema halls in India have been shut down now for close to seven months.
The SOPs include one seat distance in theatres, 50 per cent capacity, and masks at all time. Proper ventilation will have to be ensured and air conditioner temperature settings will be above 23 degrees Celsius.
“Cinema halls have been shut for the last seven months. They are now opening from October 15. For the safety of people, we have come out with SOPs to be followed,” Javadekar told reporters.
It was good news for multiplex and theatre owners. They have long maintained that it is time for the curtains to go up. They also said that the movie aficionados are missing their big screen experience. But the wariness persisted. Was it safe? How many people would actually brave the threat of COVID-19? What about the cost factor involved in getting theatres ready for the corona era?
Given the extreme caution, there is unlikely to be any fresh content in the next few months, industry insiders indicated. No one wants to take a chance.
Sibashish Sarkar, Reliance Entertainment Group CEO, said reopening of cinemas is a positive sign for the industry. However, screening new releases will be difficult.
“We are not releasing any film on Diwali (November 14)… It is not possible to release a film on Diwali now. As of now, all cinema houses are not opening from October 15. Even if it opens on November 1, how can you release a film in a 10 or 15-day notice period?” he asked.
Films such as Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif starrer Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh’s 83 are complete and ready for release. However, they won’t be seen on the big screen anytime soon.
Many films moved to OTT platforms during the lockdown that started in March. The much awaited Sooryavanshi and 83 did not. Sooryavanshi was scheduled to release March 24, just a day before the lockdown. Now there are expectations that it may hit the screens on Diwali.
“We are not sure whether we will change both Sooryavanshi or 83 or we will just shift one film. From December to March is the realistic timeline for both movies,” Sarkar told said.
In fact, some cinemas will screen old content even when they open. Raj Bansal is a multiplex owner from Jaipur. He said the distribution and exhibition sector has been waiting since August for theatres to open. However, his own theatre will stick to old fare.
“We have 15 days to plan things. We have software for a few Dhoom series, Golmaal, Munnabhai, Hera Pheri. We may just use those at the moment to gauge the audience reaction,” Bansal said.
Bansal is quick to assert that the cost of operating cinemas will go up by at least 10 per cent. This is because the premises will need to be sanitised regularly.
Cinepolis India CEO Devang Sampat is clear cinema halls can’t get back to regular business unless there is fresh content. He said they have implemented stringent safety protocols in line with global best practices. They are ready to welcome patrons back to a safe and secure, world class movie experience. “We request the state governments to provide clearance for cinemas to open in their respective states,” he added.
Producer Boney Kapoor said it will take a couple of weeks for the audience to get used to coming to theatres.
“Footfalls will increase gradually. Hopefully by Diwali, we should have a better understanding or how good the situation is. We will think of the release once we complete the shoot of our films. We are praying footfalls in theatres show positive signs,” Kapoor said.
Theatres across the country had to shut their doors in March due to the coronavirus-led lockdown. As the government started easing other businesses, theatre chains said they should be allowed to resume. They said they were already facing losses to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore.
“We are committed to ensure a safe, secure and a hygienic cinema going experience for the movie lovers. As always, we would continue to assign topmost priority to the health and well-being of our guests. Employees will have to be taken care also,” said PVR Cinema’s CEO Gautam Dutta. “We look forward to welcoming back moviegoers to a safe and an amazing brand new experience at our cinemas,” he added.
INOX Leisure CEO Alok Tandon is also hopeful of a turnaround in the industry. “We are completely geared up and prepared for the new normal. We would assign topmost priority to safety and hygiene,” Tandon said.