Multiplexes resume amid low footfall

Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, November 2

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A day after cinema halls resumed functioning after a gap of over seven months, the footfall of visitors remained very low.

In fact, there were only two visitors in the afternoon show of the PVR here on Monday. While nearly 25 people watched movies at PVR MBD Neopolis, the occupancy was around 15 at PVR Curo mall. The footfall was even lower on Sunday. Though the state government has given its nod to open cinemas, except PVR, the gates of the rest of the cinema halls remained closed. Anticipating more number of movie buffs during Diwali, discounts and offers are also being offered by PVR owners.

What’s in store

Visitors will be greeted with thermal scanners and sanitisers, wearing a mask is compulsory, food will be sterilised, every alternate seat has been sealed to practise social distancing, the timings of intervals of two shows would be different. Now, people will have to wait for their food orders and won’t be served inside the hall by workers. A notification will be sent on their phone numbers after their order is prepared. Besides, to avoid contactless payments, people will be asked to pay online.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had announced the opening of cinema halls in October, but, the decision was withdrawn considering the Covid-19 threat.

Vishal Kumar, a movie buff, who had come to watch a movie with his friend, said: “Ever since the lockdown was announced in March, I was missing going out and watching movies. We were fed up of watching content on OTT platforms and when we came to know that the cinemas are scheduled to open, we immediately booked tickets and reached here. I’m hoping that all safety norms are being followed. In the beginning, we will avoid ordering food and enjoy the movie only.”

John, a hairdresser, said: “Watching movies and enjoying pop corns is our great escape from boredom and this was our routine schedule during weekends before the Covid-19 outbreak. Finally, we are sitting in front of the big screen. Proper safety measures have been put into place at the entrance and inside the halls. Seats have been sealed so that social distancing can be taken care of and food was delivered without any physical contact.”

Cinema hall managers claim they have made robust arrangements for contactless functioning at theatres. Gautam Dutt, CEO, PVR, said considering the safety of visitors, they have circulated their own set of rules. “Apart from following government guidelines, anti-microbial films were glued on every doorknob and other places of physical contact, Ultra Low Volume (ULV) cabinets have been installed at food counters and the entire premise has been sprayed with Virus 256 verosil disinfectant solution that lasts for around a month. After every show time, all seats will be sanitised,” Gautam said. An extra ticket will be given for free with a ticket booked for watching a Punjabi movie by paying only Rs99, besides a 25 per cent discount on food items.