First day, old show

Photos: Nitin Mittal

As a few cinema halls re-open today, both theatre owners and viewers try to tread carefully

Oh, for that simple life in the BC (before corona) when Fridays were reserved for a new release. Unlocks after unlocks, and after pulling back the decision multiple times to reopen theatres, cinemas start today, albeit with old movies.

While Chandigarh is ready, due to Punjab government’s decision Mohali cinemas will remain shut. The screens in Panchkula are still putting in necessary measures to be finally ready. One got to maintain social distancing, do with pre-packaged food and give up the luxury of being served on the seat.

What to expect

A spokesperson from PVR says, “The shows of Tanhaji and Thappad are scheduled while many Punjabi movies, old as well as the ones released week before the lockdown, are put to test. For the English movies, we have a plan to make available the Oscar-nominated movies. The call will be taken after seeing the business in the first week. There are some attractive gift card offers where we are offering discount of 30 per cent. For instance a gift card of Rs 1000 will cost you Rs 650.”

About the safety, he confirms, “We have got antimicrobial treatment done in our halls which will be valid for a month and installed hand sanitisers as well. The markings are done to follow social distancing and seating arrangement would be such that each person would be at safe distance from the next.

What & where!

In Chandigarh, PVR Centra Mall, PVR City Centre- IT Park, Fun Cinemas and Piccadily Square are reopening from October 16. The screens at Elante will take a decision based on early response. Piccadily Square has planned 13 shows on Friday to begin with. Hindi movies Tanhaji, Thappad, Housefull 4, Mission Mangal and Punjabi films Chal Mera Putt, Carry On Jatta 2, Qismat, Muklawa and Sardaar ji will be screened at the multiplexes.

On Thursday, the Punjab government announced that cinemas would not open until further notice. Rajhans Cinemas, Panchkula, is expected to reopen next week ensuring all the necessary steps before opening. Their spokesperson assures that safety comes first.

While the picture will be clear only by Friday, early response to the films looks tepid. At Book My Show, not a single seat has been booked for Punjabi movies like Chal Mera Putt 2 till Thursday evening. Hindi movie Thappad had most occupancy as per BMS app at City Centre IT Park followed by Tanhaji, though the number of booked seats is countable.

Cine buffs’ delight

Karanbir Singh Waraich is really excited about opening of theatres. “It’s heartening to have cinemas opening. Corona or not, sitting at home many had a brush with depression.” Pretty satisfied with the safety measures put in place, he is okay with social distancing inside the hall. “Safety comes first and the rules are for our benefit only. While I am still concerned about the air trapped in inside, I would still take my chance!”

Producer Manpreet Johal, who has produced Rabb Da Radio, explains, “I am excited about the news but the Punjab government has cancelled the reopening in the state. About the decision to release my latest film Galwakdi, I would wait till December. The reason being we have to release the movie worldwide and theatres are still shut in Australia and Canada.” Ask him what movie would he like to watch and he quips, “Uda Aida, Rabb Da Radio and Angrej are the kind of movies I can watch for the second time.”

Box

This is the new normal

•To begin with only four cinemas are opening – PVR Centra Mall, PVR City Centre- IT Park, Fun Cinemas, Piccadily Square.

•Films that are on: Tanhaji, Thappad, Housefull 4, Mission Mangal and Punjabi Chal Mera Putt, Carry On Jatta 2, Qismat, Muklawa and Sardaar ji.

• For the safety measures PVR Cinemas has put up anti-microbial film at the entry and exit point.

•Book My Show, a mobile app to book tickets for events and movies, has started a family pass to attract customers which will have exciting discounts on each ticket purchase.

•One got to maintain social distancing, do with pre-packaged food and give up the luxury of being served on the seat.