Published 11:36 IST, June 22nd 2020

COVID-19 lockdown to force 1000 plus cinema halls to shut down all over India?

COVID-19 Lockdown might force 1000+ theatres to shut all over India. Even after the re-opening, cinema halls can still run out of business. Read the full report

Reported by: Tulip Roy
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According to various reports, many atres might close as an impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Without any help from government or film Industry, cinemas might t survive until end of Unlock phase. As many atres are alrey shutting down, month of October may t be soon eugh to save atres from running out of business. 

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Many cinema halls have alrey shut 

atres are w in ir fourth month of shutdown and even with lockdown being eased, re-opening of screens seems like a distant dream. Rumours and unconfirmed reports point out that cinemas might open from October but that's too far a date. As many cinema owners can longer afford to pay rent, maintenance charges, staff salaries and more without revenue, many of m are alrey shutting down. Iconic cinema halls like Shanthala and Pma in Mysuru, and Maharani in Chennai have alrey shut down. 

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Reportedly, it is being said that almost 200 to 350 cinemas in India have been forced to shut down alrey and by end of October, number can rise to 1000+. Or reports suggest that cinemas will feel blow even after opening in October and can still run out of business because expenditure will run higher than income for a while. 

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Gaiety-Galaxy's executive director Maj Desai talked about how paying GST Tax, property tax, BMC tax and electricity charges should ideally be removed or exempted for moment, in an interview with a media outlet. If rumours are to be given weight, Regal Cinema in Colaba has always been just marginally managing to stay afloat and can run ground due to COVID-19 pandemic as well. atre owners are in need of support from Film Industry. 

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In se last few days, a rise in movies releasing on OTT platforms is being seen which is due to atres being shut. This will reportedly make situation worse and will hamper business of various cinema halls.  makers of Gulabo Siatbo h run into some problems over this recently due to ir decision to release film online rar than to wait for atres to re-open.  

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11:36 IST, June 22nd 2020