News Karnataka
Thursday, March 28 2024
Cricket
Mangaluru

Cinema halls, multiplexes open after months, receive poor response from public

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big cinemas 15102020Mangaluru: Theatres in the state began opening their doors to eager patrons after the government permitted cinema halls, theatres and other establishments to open – with restrictions – from October 15 onwards, as part of the phased unlocking of the country.

As per the Central Government’s guidelines, only those cinema halls and multiplexes that are outside containment zones are allowed to open from today. Although the theatre owners have begun operations in full swing, the public has shown a lukewarm response to the developments, as many of them still fear a COVID-19 infection.

Theatres owners are doing all they can to attract customers, some even offering 50 per cent discounts on tickets.

As there are very few movies being released this time, as the production of many has either been halted or postponed due to the pandemic and the lockdown, cinema halls are running movies that have already aired once in TV and OTT platforms. Some are also running films that have already been released as there is no expectation of a big crowd.

According to sources, only 10 per cent of theatres are able to open and it is doubtful that the rest will open for another two to three weeks. Producer and filmmaker Jayanna feels that the big theatres will not open their doors until newer films are released.

Operations Head at Big Cinemas, Mangaluru Avil D Cruz said that people have just started coming to the theatres. “We have kept the rates at Rs 100 for lower-level seats to attract movie buffs. Also, the COVID guidelines have been followed with automatic blocking of middle seats to maintain a safe distance inside the halls. The cinema halls are being sanitized and cleaned after each show. Currently, as there are no new movies, we are not expecting many people. However, as the days go by, things will surely improve.”

In Bengaluru, PVR will open its doors in six malls and is running two to three shows at 50 per cent discount. INOX is opening in nine malls, of which the MG Road and Whitefield ones will open tomorrow while the rest will open in a few weeks. Tickets will need to be booked online or at the ticket counter by use of digital payment.

In Cinepolis, old films will be screened in Royal Meenakshi, Bannerghatta and Fun Cinemas on Cunningham Road.

In Belgaum, Hubli, Davanagere and Mysore, theatres owners have decided not to open until the government responds to their demands.

Other states are not opening theatres till November.

Guidelines for the opening of cinema halls as prescribed by the government:
1. No opening of cinema halls in containment zones
2. Only 50 per cent seats to be occupied
3. Audience has to wear a mask
4. Customers to maintain mandatory 6 feet distance
5. Body temperature of customers to be checked before entry
6. Halls must be cleaned and sanitized after each show
7. Air conditioning should be between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius
8. Elderly, pregnant women and people with health issues are not to work in places where they come into direct contact with the public

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