2nd lockdown will have irreversible consequences for cinema: MAI to Maha CM

Concerned about recent news in circulation across multiple media platforms citing possibility of a second lockdown in Maharashtra from April 2 or 3, 2021, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackarey, urging him to not issue such an order w.r.t. Cinemas/ multiplexes/ shopping centers/ malls. The Association urged the Chief Minister to allow cinemas and malls to operate as per regular operational hours.

In the letter, Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India, stated, “With zero revenues in 8 months (from March 13, 2020 till November 9, 2020), and thereafter meagre revenues in the last 5 months (November 9, 2020 till March 31, 2021), the cinema exhibition industry is now facing possible bankruptcies... Media reports w.r.t the second lockdown in Maharashtra has already resulted in a lot of films postponing their releases....A second lockdown will be extremely detrimental and would lead to severe and irreversible consequences for the cinema exhibition sector.”

He further pointed out that at the same time, local trains, Railways, Metro service, airlines, retail shops situated in High Street shopping areas and many such services have already been restarted as part of ‘Mission Begin Again’ and continue to operate with limited or no restrictions.

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In light of the growing number of COVID-19 cases in several states across the country again, cinema halls are already operating with 50% seating capacity restriction. “There’s little evidence establishing cinema theatres as a source of COVID outbreaks. In fact, many health experts have voiced their opinions that the likelihood of contracting the virus at a cinema theatre is lower than that of many other indoor activities,” Gianchandani emphasised.

He further said, “After having smoothly operated cinemas for the last five months, we would like to take this opportunity to convey our commitment towards maintaining the best hygiene standards and following all SOPs diligently.” The letter goes on to state that all the States and UTs across India have fully operational cinemas and that none of them have expressed an intention to impose a second lockdown on cinemas.