Producers, filmmakers and the Multiplex Association of India have urged the Centre to reopen cinema halls in the country. Cinema halls have remained shut since the COVID-19-induced lockdown, and will not reopen even during Unlock 4.0.
“If Aviation, Metro, Malls, Wellness and Restaurants can be allowed to operate, the Cinema Industry too deserves a chance,” the Multiplex Association of India had tweeted earlier.
The Cinema Industry is an inherent part of the country’s culture, but also an integral part of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods #SupportMovieTheatres
— Multiplex Association Of India (@MAofIndia) August 30, 2020
It further said: “The Cinema Industry is an inherent part of the country’s culture, but also an integral part of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods #SupportMovieTheatres”
Bollywood producers like Boney Kapoor also joined the #SupportMovieTheatres campaign. “#SupportMovieTheatres #SaveCinemas,” he tweeted.
Mard ko Dard Nahi Hota actor Abhimanyu Dassani said efforts should be made to reopen theatres. "Let's make it safe enough for the public. Please reopen theatres and bring that magic back to life," the actor tweeted.
Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj also said that it is high time the Centre allowed theatres to reopen, with safety precautions. He added that too many people’s livelihoods depended on it. “Now that almost 'Everything' is allowed to open... It's high time to consider opening theatres too with all the safety precautions..... Too many peoples livelihood is involved in it... PLS DO CONSIDER UNLOCKING US TOO...,” he tweeted.
Shibasish Sarkar, Group Chief Executive Officer- Content, Digital and Gaming at Reliance Entertainment, also said it is important to reopen cinema halls. Sarkar said the pandemic has deeply affected those who worked at cinema halls.
"Salary Subsidy Scheme in UK, CARES Act 2020 in US, Canada Emergency Wage Service in Canada, govt supported to protect jobs. In India thousands and millions have lost jobs or pay cuts with no income of cinema hall owners. Halls are now closed for 6 months. #SupportMovieTheatres," he tweeted.
According to MAI, the multiplex industry in India employs over 2,00,000 people who are the backbone of the Indian film industry as they account nearly 60 per cent of revenues of film business.
-with PTI inputs