As tensions between Pakistan and India grew after cross-border drone attacks, the Indian entertainment sector was hit with new uncertainty.
The postponing of Bhool Chuk Maaf’s release and IPL suspension generated rumours of cinema halls being directed to close down, reminiscent of the pandemic lockdowns.
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But industry sources and officials have rubbished these reports. Even after a meeting between multiplex officials and cinema owners, there is no sign of a shutdown on a pan-India scale. Nitin Datar, President of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association, assured that multiplexes are operational and advance bookings are in progress.
Precautionary steps have been taken in border towns like Chandigarh, Bhuj, and Amritsar, where nighttime shows have been stopped. Night restrictions will go on for at least another day in cities like Bikaner and Jalandhar.
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Everywhere else, cinema business is normal, with exhibitors posting regular ticket sales and no hint of panic. The box office has been resilient, with Raid 2 recovering after a mid-week slump, reflecting audience confidence.
Industry sentiments emphasize that having cinemas open is imperative for economic balance and morale, contending that closures would merely spread panic and interfere with livelihoods.
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Hope remains, with expectations set on future releases to drive footfalls and get back to normalcy.
