The entertainment industry has hit by the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown enormously. Cinema halls of the nation were out of order and this impacted the business a lot.
Most of the owners of the cinema halls especially single screen owners are suffering as they have been regularly paying salaries to employees and also bearing the overhead costs.
Since the government has started ‘Unlock 1’ phase from June 1 and allowed non-essential shops, malls, private offices etc to resume activities with proper safety measures.
No rule for cinema hall has come under this phase. However, in a recent development, a meeting with a senior cabinet minister of the Central government made the exhibitors hopeful.
“A few days ago, a senior cabinet minister of the Central government had a virtual meeting with selected exhibitors. He patiently heard them out and told them that he fully understands that they have been suffering a lot over the past few months. He assured them that he’ll urge the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that cinema halls and multiplexes should be allowed to open up from July. He however urged the exhibitors to make sure all safety precautions are taken place and social distancing is strictly followed in all areas of the theatre. The exhibitors promised that they shall fully comply with the norms,” a source was quoted as saying.
