Without waiting for the orders from the Government of India, West Bengal Government had decided to re-open the theaters in the state from October 1st. Initially, only 50 pax will be allowed and the occupancy will be increased in phases.
While any news in the direction of re-opening the cinemas is considered good news, the rule of 50 Pax may prove to be counter-productive. “No theater can sustain with such a meager occupancy. If the GoI implements the same rule, theater owners will not open even though they are permitted,” experts say.
According to estimates, the cinema exhibition industry may have lost up to 9000 Crore in Six Months of the Lockdown at the rate of a monthly loss of 1,500 Crore. Direct employment of over Two Lakh people and indirect employment of Lakhs of people got disrupted.
On the other side, the Central Government is expected to release the guidelines of Unlock 5 in the next couple of days. As of now, only the cinemas and educational institutions were closed.
