Unlock 2.0: Multiplex Association write to the government, urges to reopen theatres

Since June 2020, the country has entered into a phase of unlocking after being under lockdown for more than two months. Several offices, restaurants, malls, etc. have been given the green signal to open. However, multiplexes and theatres still remain shut. The Multiplex Association of India recently wrote to the government regarding the same. 

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Multiplex Association of India writes to the government

Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh recently revealed on social media that the Multiplex Association of India has written to the government regarding the reopening of multiplexes and theatres across the country. The letter also spoke about how the multiplex industry employs several people. The letter further asked the government to start reopening multiplexes and theatres in non-containment zones across the country.

Take a look at Taran Adarsh’s post here:

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The letter further read, “At a time when a significant part of the economy is being opened up, including domestic travel, offices, high street, markets, shopping complexes, etc., the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) feels dismayed that cinemas and multiplexes continue to remain in the list of prohibited activities under the Central Government's Unlock 2.0 Guidelines. The Association finds it highly demotivating and disheartening when in fact, Cinemas and Multiplexes can become an example of how social distancing guidelines and crowd control can be best exercised in a safe and planned manner. As compared to the unorganised retail and shops that have been opened up, multiplexes and cinema are part of the organised sector, playing hosts to 'revenue paying customers only and hence, in a better position to limit crowds unlike marketplaces and deploy all the mechanisms and guidelines for crowd control and social distancing."

“The multiplex industry in India employs more than 200,000 people directly. We are the backbone of the Indian Film Industry accounting nearly 60% of revenues of film business. The livelihoods of more than a million people - right from the spot boys to makeup artists, musicians, designers, technicians and engineers to cinema employees to directors and actors hinges on the survival of Indian cinema. The lockdown has literally brought the entire industry to a standstill with losses mounting every passing day. An early decision to allow cinemas to open up will only help the mobilization of resources in the film industry's ecosystem and would lead to gradual resurrection. In fact even after opening up, we anticipate atleast 3-6 months before things return anywhere close to normal. On one hand where programming of new content will take some time to kick in; movie buffs on the other hand are expected to take a cautious approach before returning to cinemas. These are real challenges that the industry will have to overcome and we believe together, with the support of the government, we will be able to overcome them”.

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With the reopening of theatres in several other parts of the world, the Multiplex Association of India also asked the government to open multiplexes in India too. The same read, “Globally, countries like France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Hong Kong, UAE, US, etc. and more recently Belgium and Malaysia have opened cinemas to the public with the implementation of the highest degree of safety protocols and have seen a warm response by audiences. In effect, more than 20 major cinema markets around the world have started operating. MAI is of the firm belief that there must be a start and the unlocking of cinemas in non-containment zones across India should be done post haste - there must be a beginning and an opportunity must be given to us, just like some of the other sectors”.

The letter comes in just a day after India has officially entered the second phase of unlocking. However, in the past few months, as theatres in the country remained shut, several big Bollywood movies took the digital route. Recently, almost seven more films, including late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s Dil Bechara, were announced for a digital release.

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