Journalism of Courage
Multiplexes and cinema halls have been allowed to reopen from October 15, with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity, under Unlock 5.0. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been issued by the central government. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
The decision has been welcomed by theatre owners and exhibitors who are all charged up to be back in the business after a lull period of seven months. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
The SOPs include one seat distance in theatres, 50 per cent capacity, masks at all time, proper ventilation and air conditioner temperature settings at above 23 degrees Celsius. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
The Uttar Pradesh government issued guidelines on Tuesday for reopening of cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes with 50 per cent of their capacity from Thursday. In pic: Preparations in full swing at Umrao Mall in Lucknow. (Express photo: Vishal Srivastav)
In UP cinema halls, there should be minimum six feet of distance between two individuals in the common area and waiting area. Arrangement of contactless sanitiser should also be made. (Express photo: Vishal Srivastav)
However, amid the rigorous dos and don’ts, the central government has left the states to take a final call in this regard. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
As many as 30 to 35 single-screen movie halls in West Bengal have decided to open theaters with movies of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died by suicide on June 14, from October 15. In pic: Inox theatre in Madhyamgram, Kolkata. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
As far as multiplexes in Kolkata are concerned, they are likely to gradually open theatres after October 15 and will screen old hit movies and those which were released on OTT platform during lockdown till a new movie is released . (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
Cinema halls across Delhi, except those falling in containment zones, have been allowed to open from October 15, according to an order issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). (PTI)
Cinemas, theatres and multiplexes in Delhi will open with 50 per cent seating capacity in line with the Unlock 5.0 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs last week. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)
The Gujarat government has also allowed cinema halls and multiplexes to resume operations with 50 per cent capacity from October 15. In pic: A worker wearing personal protective equipment sprays disinfectant inside a cinema hall in Ahmedabad. (PTI)
The Maharashtra government has not allowed cinema halls to reopen until October 31. The state Cultural Affairs Minister Amit Deshmukh tweeted that the government was positive about reopening cinema hall but its priority was to ensure the safety of residents amid the pandemic. In pic: A worker wearing a PPE sanitises the seats of a cinema hall in Mumbai. (PTI)
