Unlock phase 1 saw the opening of certain sections, but only after they agreed to follow certain guidelines laid by the government due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, still locked are the multiplexes, hence with the government setting the road clear for unlock 2.0, Multiplex association has requested the government to let the theatres function. The Multiplex Association of India believes that they can set an example of crowd control and social distancing by taking the necessary steps. Theatres have remained closed since March 2020, when the lockdown was imposed with the outbreak of novel Coronavirus. Due to the same, the film industry has lost almost Rs 1500 Crore business.
In the statement released by MIA, it read, “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 statement also mentioned multiplex has employed 2 lac people which translates into 60% revenue generation in the film business, which means many people’s livelihood is dependent on it.
“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,” read the statement further. Read the entire statement below-
It also states countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Hong Kong, UAE, US, Belgium and Malaysia, where reopening of the theatres has only garnered them with a warm response from the audience. ALSO READ: Eager To Find Out How And When Cinema Theatres Might Open? Here’s All You Need To Know
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