Filmmaker Karan Johar has requested the Delhi government to allow cinemas to operate. The national capital is on ‘yellow’ alert amid a spike in Covid-19 cases following the emergence of Omicron. Under the alert, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared closing schools, colleges, cinemas, and gyms on Tuesday.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Karan urged the Delhi Govt. to allow cinemas to operate. He wrote, “We urge the Delhi Government to allow cinemas to operate. Cinemas are equipped with a better ability to ensure a hygienic environment while maintaining social distancing norms as compared to other out-of-home settings. @LtGovDelhi @ArvindKejriwal @OfficeOfDyCM #cinemasaresafe.”
Also, a delegation of Multiplex Association of India (MAI) members met Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday and requested his intervention to reopen Delhi cinemas. The delegation highlighted the adverse economic situation the Film and Cinema industry faced due to COVID induced multiple shutdowns since March 2020. They also submitted a research report on – ‘Low COVID Transmission Risk in Cinemas,’ research captures findings at various cinemas across the globe.
Mr. Ajay Bijli, Chairman, PVR Limited, led the Cinema delegation. 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.
Image Credit: Instagram \ Karan Johar.
