Multiplex Association is upset with the Delhi Government’s decision to close down cinema halls by declaring a Yellow alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Amid a rise in cases of Omicron variant, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday declared a ‘yellow alert’ under which schools, colleges, cinemas and gyms will remain closed.
Multiplex operators have urged the Delhi government to reconsider its decision and allow them to operate cinema halls by introducing a “double vaccination requirement” to enter cinemas and restricting seating capacity to 50 percent.
Mr. Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India, released a statement. It reads, “Delhi 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 and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian Film Industry. The period since March 2020 is undeniably the most challenging period faced by Indian cinemas in their long history.”
“After being allowed to reopen, 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. While we fully understand the need at Government’s end to take necessary preventive measures, we would request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions.”
“Instead of closing the cinemas, we would urge the Delhi Government to consider introducing a “double vaccination requirement” to enter cinemas, as is the case in some of the other states (including Maharashtra). Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas. We call on the Government to recognize the unique social, cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry and to provide the support it so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period,” the statement concluded.
In October this year, cinema halls and theaters in the city were allowed to operate at full seating capacity. They were closed due to the second wave of Covid-19, were opened partially in July when the Government allowed them to operate at 50 percent seating capacity.
