sb.scorecardresearch
Advertisement

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
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
COVID-19 Lockdown
null | Image: self
Advertisement

According to various reports, many theatres might close as an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Without any help from the government or the film Industry, cinemas might not survive until the end of the Unlock phase. As many theatres are already shutting down, the month of October may not be soon enough to save the theatres from running out of business. 

Also Read | Hotstar-Disney rents Ramoji Film City for 3 years; is it a threat to movie theatres?

Many cinema halls have already shut 

Theatres are now in their fourth month of the shutdown and even with the 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 no longer afford to pay rent, maintenance charges, staff salaries and more without revenue, many of them are already shutting down. Iconic cinema halls like Shanthala and Padma in Mysuru, and Maharani in Chennai have already shut down. 

Also Read | Malco to begin reopening movie theaters in 3 states

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

Also Read | Kangana Ranaut’s 'Thalaivi' to release in theaters first, reports of OTT premiere false

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

Also Read | Suriya talks about 'Soorarai Pottru' release, says 'eagerly waiting to see it in theaters'

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Komal Gopwani (@komalgopwani) on

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

Promo Pic Courtesy: Shutterstock 

11:36 IST, June 22nd 2020