MAI Delegation meets Deputy Chief Minister, seeking reopening of Cinemas in Delhi

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Manish Sisodia met prominent cinema owners and members of Multiplex Association of India (MAI), today morning. In the meeting, delegation requested for Deputy Chief Minister’s intervention in  reopening of Delhi cinemas.  

The delegation highlighted the adverse economic situation being faced by the Film and Cinema industry due to COVID induced multiple shut downs since March 2020. Deputy  Chief Minister was informed that Government’s decision to shut down Cinemas in Delhi  while enforcing the ‘yellow’ alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty leading to big film releases, such as JERSEY, being cancelled. 

The delegation urged the Minister to give cinemas an equal treatment with comparable  industries and institutions, as cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems, enhanced  hygiene, and other safety protocols. Not a single outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinema. The delegation also submitted a research report on  – ‘Low COVID Transmission Risk in Cinemas’, research captures findings at various cinemas  across the globe. Delegation highlighted the unique social, cultural and economic value of  the Indian film industry, and requested the Deputy Chief Minister to provide the support it  so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period.  

Cinema delegation was led by Mr Ajay Bijli, Chairman, PVR Limited, he said “we fully  appreciate the challenges at the Government’s end in these tough times, however, instead of  closing the cinemas, we would urge the Delhi Government to consider introducing ‘double  vaccination requirement’ to enter cinemas, as is the case in some other states. Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas” 

Deputy Chief Minister assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with Delhi  Disaster Management Authority Task Force and other Government Officers.