The Multiplex Association of India (TMAI) and some film industry people have previously been expressive about the Govt. of Maharashtra’s disheartening decision to keep cinemas closed despite the industry permitted to reopen in other major Indian States.
Earlier today, TMAI along with PVR, Inox, Cinepolis, and Producers Guild of India have made an earnest appeal through social media platform and newspaper ads, on the film industry’s behalf, to the Maharashtra Govt. for reopening of cinemas in the state.
The appeal has come just a few days after a report by a leading news publication about the possibility of reopening of auditoriums and drama theatres in Maharashtra from 5th November at 50% capacity. Although there is still no word about the reopening of cinema halls and multiplexes in the state. It is noteworthy that like many other states, Maharashtra too has been adversely affected by the devastating second wave of the pandemic.
Considering the fact that approximately 30% of the film industry’s revenues come from Maharashtra, all the stakeholders of the film industry would want theatres in the state to reopen at the earliest. The shared intent was reflected in the aforesaid appeal, which brought to our attention that the Maharashtra cinema exhibition industry comprising around 1000 cinema halls has been incurring an astounding loss of Rs.400 crore per month totaling Rs.4800 crore loss, owing to various lockdowns since March 2020.
The aforesaid appeal also stated that other sectors like malls, airlines, retail, restaurants, and gyms have already been restarted and that local trains, parks, and beaches are now permitted to reopen in the state. And since cinema halls are better equipped for safety purposes, the appeal urged the authorities to urgently allow the reopening of cinemas in Maharashtra and to facilitate vaccination of cinema industry employees.
A sincere attempt to unlock cinemas in India was effectuated by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar who supported the decision to release his film ‘BellBottom’ in theatres instead of a direct-to-OTT release. Moreover, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has recently requested the Maharashtra Government to open up cinemas and save the dying film industry. Her next film ‘Thalaivii’ is slated to hit the big screens across India on 10th September 2021.
All eyes will now be on the Maharashtra Government as to how the authorities respond to the multiple requests by film industry stakeholders to reopen cinemas in the state.