Some Hope Emerges For Theatres As Information & Broadcasting Ministry Recommends Re-Opening In August

The nationwide lockdown imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic was a major blow to the entertainment industry especially for the movie theatres which now have been shut for over four months. Much to the distaste of theatre owners filmmakers then began taking their films to OTT giants for a direct release in order to keep the business running in times of looming uncertainty.

It now seems there is some hope for the theatres and the films waiting to release on the big screens in the near future as according to recent reports the Information and Broadcast Ministry has suggested the government to consider opening theatres in August.

According to a TOI report, I&B Secretary Amit Khare has recommended the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider opening theatres by August 31 all over the country. He stated this at a meeting held with the CII Media Committee on Friday. Amit wrote to the Home Ministry with an alternate seating arrangement plan that would ensure social distancing norms are followed.

Reports also suggest that Amit Kahre’s seating plans received push back as it would mean only a 25% occupancy which according to theatre owners is worse than the theatres remaining shut.

The final decision on I&B Secretary’s recommendations, however, rests with his counterpart in the Ministry of Home Affairs which is yet to respond.