Cine-goers eager to go back, but litmus test ahead for theatres

Move on reopening of Cinema halls — Is it in the public interest?

Mandates have to be followed at all costs

Finally, there is some good news for the cinema-goers after almost eight months of the lockdown. The cinema hall operators here are currently engaged in preparations to ensure all protocols are maintained as they get ready to welcome patrons after a long period of time. Bollywood, which is the economical capital of India, mainly depend upon film industry and suffered during the nationwide lockdown. Film producers moved to OTT platform for their loss. But this will not cover their losses. Now government is going to open it while the virus is picking up pace. Festive season is ahead and there is more risk as rush is increasing in markets. It is necessary to take extra precautions during the upcoming festive season amid the pandemic. The generic measures include public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of transmission. There should be adequate physical distancing of at least 6ft to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times. The thermal screening will have to be carried out before allowing entry into the halls and only asymptomatic individuals will be allowed. It should be compulsory to show a minute-long film or announcement before each show and before and after the interval to spread awareness among people. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times because it is only medicine till vaccination comes.

Amarjit Kalsi

Great news for cinema-goers!

The cinemas, theatres and multiplexes are all set to open from October 15 and fans are overjoyed. Cinema-goers had been waiting for reopening for many months now. As per the new Unlock 5 guidelines, cinemas and multiplexes have been allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity. Physical distancing is mandatory. For seating, every alternate seat will have to be kept vacant and clearly marked. Cinema-goers have been advised to avoid moving during intermission and as per the guidelines no delivery of food and beverages will be allowed inside the auditorium. During the film, it would be mandatory for the people to wear masks. After the end of the show, the entire hall would be sanitised, before the start of second show. Since the process is going to be time taking, only three-four shows could be shown in a day.

Saahil Hans

Decision taken in favour of economy

Although the cases are depreciating, the experts say that still we are not out of danger. The employees working in cinemas or theatres must be worried about their economy. It can’t be thought of the best decision but a decision that is in favour of economic recovery after about four months. I contemplate that no country would compromise with their economy. And this is the one of the steps for recovery of economy. I think recovering period after the lockdown should be the first thing to ponder. Hence, everything should be opened but the big halls must be opened with 50% seating capacity that too with precautionary measures.

Izleen

Right decision amid

all the gloom

With the scientific advancements, we are finding new equipments and gadgets to bring more and more comforts in our daily life. But practically it is a race between human being and nature. As we find solution for one problem, the next problem crops up. In case of health sector in the last more than 100 years, many deadly diseases came up but after great research when we controlled it the next disease showed its face. Recently, we were fighting cancer in this series but now as it is curable, hence the incurable coronavirus came up. If we wait for invention of vaccine for it than our already ailing economy will completely collapse coming to a grinding halt. So, the only solution is to open up all the sectors of the economy but with strict preventive measures like mask wearing and observing physical distancing norms. Our film industry is on the top of world in regard to number of films produced per year, thus, contributing a great share in form of employment and revenue generating. Its share in giving relief to the stressful human life is also significant. So, government”s decision to open up cinema halls with preventive measures is a step in the right direction. Prevention is better than cure, but prevention is the only cure for the virus

Harsh N Johar

Spot on! Many will benefit from this

The decision to reopen cinema halls with limited capacity is correct as this industry employs many people. A person going to the cinema hall to watch a movie will benefit the filmmaker, actor, popcorn vendor and so many more. It will ultimately help the slowing economy of the country. Strict enforcement of guidelines will help to achieve the twin objectives of faster growth and public safety.

Jatinderpal Singh

REOPENING WITH NEW NORMS JUSTIFIED

Reopening of cinema halls with all precautions and protocols is as justified as reopening any other thing in this unprecedented hard times. Proper cleaning of halls, use of body temperature detectors, grilling health check-ups of the staff and wearing masks while watching movies must be mandatory. Booking tickets and snacks online to avoid human contact would help too. Scores of people from diverse backgrounds depend on the Indian film industry for their livelihoods. The shutdown since March has cost the film industry beyond imagination. People would be sceptical about the preventive measures and it would be a challenge for the cinema owners to bring them back to the 70mm screen. Our film industry is the biggest in the world in terms of making maximum movies in a year but it is in a deep crisis now. Reopening of cinema halls by adhering to the stringent dos and don’ts would eventually help one and all.

Anil Sharma

Foolproof safety measures are a must

The Union Home Ministry has allowed cinemas, theatres and multiplexes to function at 50% capacity. The decision has been welcomed with open arms by the cinema owners who have been clamouring for long to be allowed to ply their trade as the closure of the cinemas for about seven months has had a devastating impact on their source of income. The decision has given some respite to the theatre owners and exhibitors who promise to operate by fully abiding by the guidelines issued by the Central government. The lockdown miserably failed to wipe out the virus and was never going to kill it. Admittedly, we have to live with it. So, it is the right decision to stay open. People needed to be amused and entertained to escape from stresses, anxieties and strains of mundane life. It is a well thought out gamble which has the tendency to boomerang as well. Moreover, cinemas have been reopened in European countries too inspite of the virus cases being still prevalent there. China’s ability to reopen its theatres and be at the top box office earner has emboldened the government to make the decision. It is a sort of push forward to reopening the economy as in a few more months the country may return to some semblance of normalcy. Since the decision has been taken to make the cinemas recover from the dire economic and financial impact of the pandemic, the theatres will have to convey a sense of safety and cleanliness to the cinema-goers. They should be committed to ensure a safe, secure and hygienic experience to their patrons. Cinemas and theatres will have to ensure foolproof physical distancing, provisions for sanitisers and hand washing, thermal screening and entry only of asymptomatic individuals in the halls. They will have to adhere to staggered show timings so as to prevent large gatherings outside the auditoriums before a film begins. This will assure the consumers to venture back to movie theatres, especially when new movies are being released or shown. All said and done, there are some lurking fears. Movie going poses a risk because the virus is said to spread more easily indoors. Movie theatres are not that high on the list of essentials, yet have been reopened. Resurgence of virus cannot be ruled out absolutely.

Tarsem S Bumrah

QUESTION

The Covid cases are falling in the state and the state government has decided to open the schools from today despite the fact that a majority of the parents have shown their reluctance to send their wards to school. What do you think is the best possible solution in the current scenario?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (October 22).