While all the eyes were on the Unlock-4, the new set of guidelines issued by Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Multiplex Association of India seems to be the most disappointed with no relaxation to reopen. Hours after which, the association decided to raise a campaign urging the centre to consider reopening theatres, assuring they would provide the consumers with a safe and hygienic experience.
As the official account of Multiplex Association of India continued to tweet under the hashtag #SupportMovieTheatres, several leading filmmakers, including Boney Kapoor, Shobu Yarlagadada, Karthik Subbaraj, Reliance Entertainment’s Shibasish Sarkar came in support for the association urging the government to consider the plea.
The Cinema Industry is an inherent part of the country’s culture, but also an integral part of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods #SupportMovieTheatres
— Multiplex Association Of India (@MAofIndia) August 30, 2020
Cinema theatres across the country have been shut since March with the centre enforcing the nation-wide lockdown in the wake of increasing positive cases. While the government as a part on unlocking in a phased manner, domestic travel, offices, markets, shopping complexes were permitted to re-open from June.
MAI had last month submitted a set of SOPs to various Central ministers as well as Prime Minister’s Office and Niti Aayog which came of no use. It can be noted that several Indian movies have seen direct-to-OTT releases over the last few months, due to uncertainty over the reopening of theatres.
