‘Cinema shutdown in Delhi will impact major B-wood releases'

Industry stakeholders say the move will lead to ‘irreparable losses’, and urge the govt to instead introduce safety measures such as allowing only double vaccinated audiences

The Delhi government’s order on Tuesday shutting down cinema theatresand multiplexes, in view of the sharp rise in omicron cases in the city, hascome as a big jolt to the industry that was just getting back on its feet. An exhibitor says, “We have seen packed theatres this month for films like Spider-Man: No Way Home. The last week of the year is when people prefer going out and watching films. This will be a huge revenue loss for cinemas.”

Really hope Delhi govt gives some relaxation to cinemas, say industry experts & stakeholders

‘CINEMA SHUTDOWN COMES AT THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR’

Theatres in the rest of the country, including other parts of NCR and Mumbai, remain open for now. However, with COVID cases rising across the country, exhibitors fear more cities will soon introduce restrictions and lockdown measures. Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres, and an industry expert, says, “This is the holiday season, when kids are on winter break, and business is robust across the sectors, including cinemas. It’s unfortunate that a sector is being closed at this specific time of the year, especially taking into account the scenario in the last one-and-a-half years when cinemas were closed for months. Be it Delhi, or other state governments who are contemplating lockdown, authorities need to find a more pragmatic approach. For example, only allowing double vaccinated audiences to enter cinemas, and other such measures.”