Can Big Releases Lure Moviegoers Back To Cinemas?

Several Bollywood & Hollywood flicks are scheduled to release in the next two months, but the audience is sharply divided over whether they’ll return to theatres

- Niharika Lal

With Bollywood releases like Bellbottom finally hitting screens, coupled with big-tick-et Hollywood blockbusters and big Tollywood releases lined up, will moviegoers return to cinemas? So far, the audience is sharply divided on the matter. On the one hand are people who have been waiting to go back to theatres and enjoy ‘the big screen with a big tub of popcorn experience’ once again. On the other are folks who are wondering whether cinema halls are even required in the age of OTT, and who now prefer viewing films from the comfort and safety of their home.

‘I CAN WATCH LATEST RELEASES AT HOME, WHY RISK GOING TO CINEMAS?’

Cinemas are going out of their way to assure moviegoers that they have rigorous safety protocols in place, but not everyone is convinced. Megha Shyam, a B.Tech student from Himayath Nagar, says, “My friends keep initiating movie plans now that theatres are up and running again. However, I’m not comfortable going to a theatre to watch movies just yet. Cinema halls may take all the necessary precautions but how can they control people once they are inside cinema halls? Audience members enter the hall wearing a mask but remove it as soon as they enter. And with 100% seating capacity in Hyderabad, there’s not much social distance also.”

She adds, “When I can watch movies at the comfort of my home on OTT platforms, why risk stepping into cinema halls? Right now, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything by avoiding theatres.”