The Multiplex Association of India (MAI), a countrywide group of cinema operators has requested studio partners, producers, artists, and content creators to help the cinema exhibition sector bounce back after the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement issued by the association, they appealed the members of the industry to release their films in theatres, once they reopen and lockdown is lifted, and maintain the exclusive theatrical windows, which is, the number of days between a film’s theatrical release and its broader distribution, such as release on DVD or streaming platforms.
The statement was shared by Taran Adarsh on his Instagram account. It 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."
The statement further read, "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 in 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."
Recently, filmmaker Kabir Khan confirmed that the makers of 83, starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and an ensemble cast have decided that the film will open in theatres only. Kabir said, "83 is a film that has been envisioned and made to be experienced on the big screen and we are ready to wait for things to get normal and then release it in cinemas."
