In the most aggressive push yet to request the government to reopen cinemas, theatre and multiplex owners across the country launched a Twitter campaign, with the hashtag #SupportMovieTheatres.
Having waited patiently enough for almost six months now, and hoping that cinemas would be allowed to reopen from September, theatre owners lost their self-restraint when UNLOCK 4 guidelines were released by the Government.
Several facilities, such as the Metro rail, have been allowed to reopen this month. Public gatherings for various purposes have been eased to a participation of hundred people. Even open air theatres have been given permission to reopen this month. But what the entertainment industry had been hoping for – the reopening of cinema halls – is nowhere in sight.
In the meanwhile, theatre owners have watched big ticket movies such as Laxmmi Bomb, Bhuj, V, Soorarai Pottru, Coolie No 1, Khaali Peeli go straight to OTT, with chances of Master, 83 and Sooryavanshi too following in their footsteps.
Tired of waiting, and with the lucrative festive season approaching, The Multiplex Association Of India and the Theatre Owners Association launched a campaign on Twitter.
The Multiplex Association of India tweeted, “The cinema industry is an inherent part of the country’s culture, but also an integral part of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods.”
“Most countries across the world have allowed cinemas to operate. We request the government of India to allow us to operate as well. We are committed to offering a safe and hygienic cinema experience. If aviation, metro, malls, wellness and restaurants can be allowed to operate, the cinema industry too deserves a chance.”
Various theatre owners from across India joined in the chime. Vocal Twitter user and prominent theatre owner, Akshaye Rathi, tweeted,
“Over 20 lakh jobs are at stake and the livelihood of thousands of families at risk. Investments worth thousands of crores is under threat”.
Mahendra Soni, owner of SVF movies tweeted, “The whole exhibition industry is on the verge of collapsing. It’s high time that Cinemas are allowed to reopen with necessary SOP’s. Requesting all to join the movement #SaveCinema #SupportMovieTheatres”
Kailash Gupta, CFO of Inox tweeted, “If flights are operated with no distancing, 100 people gathering is allowed, Metro can run, why not theatres?”
Soon, producers, directors, members of the acting fraternity, social media influencers and the public at large joined in and the hashtag started trending.
Tweets supporting the reopening of cinemas have been pouring in on Twitter even now, as we write this article.
Let’s hope the government sees reason, and gives in to the wish of the people of India.
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