It’s been more than 6 months since coronavirus outbreak took over our lives, shutting down many businesses across the country. The Unlock phase, which is currently in motion, has brought hope for many industries. But one sector that continues to suffer is the cinema exhibition as it awaits Centre’s nod to resumes operations.
Multiplex Association of India (MAI) and various other theatre bodies have been constantly appealing ministries with detailed SOPs to allow them to continue their services, but haven’t received any positive reaction so far.
Cinema halls are close spaces with greater risk of infection and given the severity of pandemic, government’s decision to keep them shut only seems fair. However, it is also noteworthy that hundreds of thousands people have lost their source of income with the theatres being shut.
Amid this perplexed situation, Bollywood have jumped in the debate to rescue theatres and jobs. Abhishek Bachchan, Boney Kapoor, Richa Chadha, Anurag Kashyap, Manoj Bajpayee, Suniel Shetty,Anubhav Sinha among others have taken to their respective social media handles to appeal government to unlock cinema halls.
“Can’t wait. Popcorn, samosa and cold drink!!! The cheering, clapping, whistling and dancing. Best place on Earth!” Abhishek Bachchan tweeted.
Richa Chadha said, “#SaveCinemasSaveJobs and save lives! A projectionist has died by suicide due to financial reasons. This industry provides livelihood to thousands and entertainment to millions !”
“#UnlockCinemaSaveJobs Dreams come to life at movies on the big screen. There are millions behind the screen who make that happen. Jobs are at stake. Can’t wait for cinemas to reopen!” mentioned Manoj Bajpayee.
Meanwhile, with cinema halls being shut, filmmakers have chosen OTT services as their preferred platform. Many mega budgets film including Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Shakuntala Devi, Gulabo Sitbao among others have already released online, ditching conventional theatrical release. Up next, Akshay Kumar starrer Laxmmi Bomb, Ishaan-Ananya’s Khaali Peeli are also scheduled to stream on OTT services.
Earlier, in May, the MIA had appealed to studio partners, producers, artistes, and content creators to support the cinema exhibition sector by holding their films and releasing them in theatres once they’re opened again.
