Multiplex Association of India urges Centre to reopen theatres from June 30, submit safety measures to be followed

Weeks after members of the film industry requested the state government to allow production work to begin while keeping COVID-19 safety measures in check, the Multiplex Association has now reportedly asked the central government to allow the reopening of theatres from June 30.

According to a report, Multiplex chain owners are hoping that the theatres would be allowed to reopen between June 15 to June 30 after examining the guidelines that were submitted by the industry. The association has already shared its plan for safety measures to be followed at the theatres.

This move comes after the Multiplex Association of India, earlier this month urged filmmakers to respect the exclusivity of theatrical window system instead of releasing films directly to OTTs. The statement read, "The global coronavirus pandemic has seen the cinema sector suffer massive financial losses, with thousands of screens countrywide forced to close down, and many employees, not just of cinemas, but even their supply chains and other stakeholders, facing personal hardship. The situation is truly unprecedented and unparalleled. Collective action to tide over and emerge out of this crisis, from all industry constituents, is more important than ever." 

"When this crisis passes, the combination of the pent-up demand and the promise of new movies, we are sure, would boost film business and contribute massively to reviving our industry. The collective, social experience of watching films on the big screen needs to be preserved and it can be done so only with the collective support of all stakeholders,” the association had further said.