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<ul><li>As theatres return to 100% occupancy today, MIB issues new guidelines. </li><li>As per the order, cinema halls will have distanced seats, staggered <keyword id="7987860" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="show-timings">show timings</keyword>, and bookings, mandatory social distancing, and encourage digital payments. </li></ul>The <keyword id="832830" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Information-Broadcasting">Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting</keyword> on January 31 released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cinema halls and theatres on preventive measures to contain the spread of Covid-19. Last week, the government allowed full occupancy in cinema halls and multiplexes starting from February 1. Now that the theatres are returning to normal operations, MIB has issued SOPs, which are as follows: <ul><li>Adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times. </li><li>Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times.</li><li>Availability of hand sanitizers, preferably in the touch-free mode, at entry and exit points as well as common areas within the premises. </li><li>Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly. </li><li>Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline. vi. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited. </li><li>Installation &amp; use of <keyword id="8995298" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="aarogya-setu-app">Aarogya Setu App</keyword> shall be advised to all.</li></ul>Entry &amp; Exit points <ul><li>Thermal screening of visitors/staff is to be carried out at entry points. Only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed to enter the premises.</li><li>Provisions for hand sanitization should be made available at all entry points and in work areas.</li><li>Designated queue markers shall be made available for entry and exit of the audience from the auditorium and the premises.</li><li>The Exit should be done in a staggered row-wise manner to avoid crowding.</li><li>Sufficient time interval between successive screenings on a single screen as well as on various screens in a multiplex shall be provided to ensure row-wise staggered entry and exit of the audience.</li></ul>Show timings <ul><li>Staggered show timings shall be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding. </li><li>The show commencement time, intermission period and finish time of a show at any screen shall not overlap with the commencement time, intermission period or finish time of a show at any other screen in a multiplex.</li></ul>Booking and Payments <ul><li>Digital no-contact transactions should be the most preferred mode for issue/verification/payments for tickets, food, and beverages, etc. by using online bookings, use of e-wallets, QR code scanners, etc.</li><li>Contact number shall be taken at the time of booking of tickets to facilitate contact tracing.</li><li>The purchase of tickets at the box office shall be open throughout the day and advance booking shall be allowed to avoid crowding at the sale counters.</li><li>Sufficient number of counters at the box office shall be opened with adequate physical distancing norms, to prevent crowding during physical booking of tickets.</li><li>Floor markers shall be used for physical distancing during queue management at the box office.</li></ul>

As theatres return to 100% occupancy, here are the preventive measures they will need to implement to prevent the spread of Covid-19

<ul><li>One in three people are planning to watch a movie in the cinema hall or <keyword id="6403273" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Multiplex" source="Orion">multiplex</keyword> in the next 60 days. </li><li>26% of respondents had been to a cinema hall or multiplex in the last 60 days i.e. the months of November and December. </li><li>17% of the respondents indicated that they no longer watch movies in multiplexes or <keyword id="6584707" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="cinema-halls" source="Orion">cinema halls</keyword>. </li></ul>With Shah Rukh Khan starrer Pathaan <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1617554191739940864">recording </a>advance bookings of over 3 lakh tickets, the cinema theaters look ready to declare housefull shows again. And, it might just be the start of better times. As per a survey conducted by LocalCircles, 34% of the respondents (one in three people) are planning to watch a movie in the cinema hall or multiplex in the next 60 days. LocalCircles, which has regularly conducted the ‘Citizen pulse on Cinema Halls’ survey since October 2020 to understand expected footfalls during the pandemic and thereafter, reported that the percentage of citizens likely to visit a cinema hall/ multiplex has increased by 150% in the last year. There has also been an increase from December 2021 in the number of people planning to visit the cinemas at least once, and those planning to visit the cinemas multiple times. “The data comparison shows that as against 2% of respondents who indicated plans to go multiple times in December 2021, the percentage has risen to 6%. In the next category of those planning to visit once, the difference is much bigger at 28% in Jan 2023 as against 12% in December 2021,” added LocalCircles. However, the survey results also revealed that only 26% of respondents had been to a cinema hall or multiplex in the last 60 days i.e. the months of November and December. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Can 2023 take forward the 2022 momentum?" comment="subhead2" text="Can 2023 take forward the 2022 momentum?">Can 2023 take forward the 2022 momentum?</cmsannotation> While a rise in cinema attendance bodes well for the entertainment industry, OTT platforms have become the preferred medium for many. In the LocalCircles survey, 17% indicated that they no longer watch movies in multiplexes or cinema halls. Despite stiff competition from OTT, cinema halls started gaining momentum in 2022, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/epaper/delhicapital/2023/jan/24/et-front/at-10kcr-indian-box-office-scripts-a-blockbuster-in-2022/articleshow/97261901.cms">recording </a>a gross box-office collection of ₹10,637 crore, according to a GroupM-Ormax Media report. This was next only to ₹10,948 crore collection recorded in the pre-pandemic 2019. “With the release of Pathaan this week, 2023 is off to a great start too, auguring well for a medium that was impacted the most by the pandemic, but has managed to bounce back in no time at all,” said Shailesh Kapoor, founder &amp; CEO, Ormax Media, in a press release. Considering the releases <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/most-anticipated-indian-movies-releasing-in-2023/slidelist/96560782.cms">slated for 2023</a>, like Mani Ratnam’s PS-2, Alia Bhatt’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, and Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunkee and Jawan, 2023 appears set to revive not just cinema but perhaps, even Bollywood. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/from-privacy-settings-to-educational-tools-here-are-some-new-facebook-features-you-should-know/articleshow/97280127.cms">From privacy settings to educational tools, here are some new Facebook features you should know</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/logitech-mx-master-3s-review-boost-your-productivity-with-this-premium-mouse/articleshow/97280665.cms">Logitech MX Master 3S review – boost your productivity with this premium mouse</a>

Percentage of citizens likely to visit cinemas increased by 150%: LocalCircles survey

Delite movie theatre is one of the oldest movie halls in Delhi. Located on the busy street of Darya Ganj this film hall has seen many ups and downs, but has stood the harsh tests of time. It is one of few movie theatres, which is not in a form of a multiplex. 
 With changing times and sound becoming a very important part of today’s movie experience, owner of <keyword id="2222908" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Delite-Cinemas">Delite Cinemas</keyword>, Mr. Shashank Raizada opted for the next generation of Dolby Digital sound called <keyword id="1613897" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="atmos">Atmos</keyword>. With the Dolby receiver and an army of JBL speakers, Delite Cinemas has spent over 70 lakhs to get the upgrade. It does not get better than this if you want the best surround sound experience. 
 “We look forward to working with Delite Cinemas to bring the ultimate cinematic entertainment experience to moviegoers in New Delhi. With Dolby Atmos, you feel as if you are in the movie, not merely watching it. We are confident that moviegoers will be captivated by the remarkable clarity and dimension of the sound and will keep coming back to Delite Cinemas to get this amazing experience that Dolby Atmos provides,” said Mr. Ashim Mathur, Marketing Head, <keyword id="266568" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Dolby-Laboratories">Dolby Laboratories</keyword> India. 
 
With Dolby Atmos in place Delite has again become the ‘It’ place to watch a movie at. Don’t take our word for it. If you want an exceptional movie experience and you are in Delhi, then go to Delite Cinemas and experience the brilliant sound on your own.

Delite Movie Theatre Is the First In North India To Get
Dolby Atmos Technology

<ul><li>MAI urges the government to open up <keyword id="6584707" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="cinema-halls">cinema halls</keyword>. </li><li>It said that there must be a start and the unlocking of cinemas in non-containment zones across India as it is the backbone of <keyword id="6541249" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Indian-Film-Industry">Indian Film Industry</keyword>, accounting nearly 60% of revenues of film business. </li></ul>Since June 01, the government entered into an unlocking phase. Airlines, offices, high streets, markets and shopping malls have opened up by now but there has been no respite for theatres. Even under the Central Government’s <keyword id="9359618" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="15" keywordseo="unlock-2-0">Unlock 2.0</keyword> plan, cinema halls continue to be included in prohibited activities list. <keyword id="9468240" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="the-multiplex-association-of-india">The Multiplex Association of India</keyword> has expressed dismal over the government decision to keep cinema halls and multiplexes shut. In a statement released for the media, <keyword id="5244245" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Multiplex-Association">Multiplex Association</keyword> of India said, “At a time when a significant part of the economy is being opened up, including domestic travel, offices, high street, markets, shopping complexes, etc., the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) feels dismayed that cinemas and multiplexes continue to remain in the list of prohibited activities under the Central Government’s Unlock 2.0 Guidelines. The Association finds it highly demotivating and disheartening when in fact, Cinemas and Multiplexes can become an example of how social distancing guidelines and crowd control can be best exercised in a safe and planned manner. As compared to the unorganised retail and shops that have been opened up, multiplexes and cinema are part of the organised sector, playing hosts to ‘revenue paying’ customers only and hence, in a better position to limit crowds unlike marketplaces and deploy all the mechanisms and guidelines for crowd control and social distancing.” “The multiplex industry in India employs more than 200,000 people directly. We are the backbone of the Indian Film Industry accounting nearly 60% of revenues of film business. The livelihoods of more than a million people – right from the spot boys to makeup artists, musicians, designers, technicians and engineers to cinema employees to directors and actors – hinges on the survival of Indian cinema. The lockdown has literally brought the entire industry to a standstill with losses mounting every passing day. An early decision to allow cinemas to open up will only help the mobilization of resources in the film industry’s ecosystem and would lead to gradual resurrection. In fact even after opening up, we anticipate at least 3-6 months before things return anywhere close to normal. On one hand where programming of new content will take some time to kick in; movie buffs on the other hand are expected to take a cautious approach before returning to cinemas. These are real challenges that the industry will have to overcome and we believe together, with the support of the government, we will be able to overcome them,” it further read. Globally, countries like France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Hong Kong, UAE, US, etc., and more recently, Belgium and Malaysia have opened cinemas. To which, MAI said, “Many countries have opened cinemas to the public with implementation of the highest degree of safety protocols and have seen a warm response by audiences. In effect, more than 20 major cinema markets around the world have started operating. MAI is of the firm belief that, there must be a start and the unlocking of cinemas in non-containment zones across India should be done post haste – there must be a beginning and an opportunity must be given to us, just like some of the other sectors.”

Multiplex Association of India expresses dismay after the government decides to keep cinema halls shut in Unlock 2.0

Los Angeles, Jul 2 () Theatres may be set to reopen across the US this month, but "Avengers: Endgame" director duo Anthony and Joe Russo are unsure about heading to the cinema halls in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The brothers, best known for co-directing several Marvel Cinematic Universe films, said being with an audience of hundreds in close proximity at a time when the COVID-19 virus is far from gone from the world will put people at "risk". Asked whether he would feel comfortable returning to a movie theatre, Anthony Russo told FOX 5 DC's Kevin McCarthy, "It's a very personal question and it depends on people's individual circumstances, but unfortunately I don't see myself getting into a theatre in the foreseeable future." He said as much as he was "desperate for the theatrical experience" like any other cinema goer but what's more important was "where are you going to put the risk?" "I think there are more immediate places to put the risk in terms of human connection than a theatre full of strangers, unfortunately," Anthony Russo added. Echoing similar sentiment, Joe Russo said being in an enclosed space, like a cinema hall, "is a high-risk situation". "There's the question of where we want that to happen, which we do, but whether that's practical and safe and whether we can recommend it, which I don't think we could," he added. Russell Crowe-starrer "Unhinged", which is slated to be released on July 10, will be the first feature to be released after the cinema halls reopen. RDS RB RB

Russo Bros wary of returning to theatres amid COVID-19

<ul><li>According to a CARE Ratings report, film exhibitors in India will lose at least ₹3,500 crore as cinema halls shutdown. </li><li>Rating agency Acuite expects a precipitous drop of over 50% in multiplex footfalls in the next 2-3 months. </li><li>The multiplexes chain are now considering approaching the government to seek a relief package, including deferment of certain taxes. </li></ul>Cinema halls in India have had a bad start in 2020. First of all, it had few hits that enthused the public like Baaghi 3 or Angreji Medium. As <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword> spreads, halls across many cities shut down as per government orders. The management of theatres are now busy calculating the losses as 5,000 screens across the country are shut and even those that are open have nothing to bring people to as March and April releases like Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh’s 83 have been postponed indefinitely. The halls are losing ₹150 crore a week, <a href="https://www.exchange4media.com/marketing-news/coronavirus-bears-down-on-bollywood-with-no-ticket-sale-hiked-marketing-budget-103373.html">according to Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media. </a> The effect might be temporary says PVR Cinemas and Inox PVR cinemas, which has 822 screens in 69 cities, says the effect may be temporary and they look forward to better times. INOX, which has 624 screens in 68 cities too is confident about their growth as the lockdown lifts. But the investors do not share their confidence. PVR has witnessed a 43% decline in its decline in the last one month. Whereas the share price of INOX saw a 39% fall between February 18 and March 18. 
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 Rating agency expects 50% fall in multiplex footfalls 
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 Several rating agencies are convinced that there would be a ripple effect. Moreso, because scientists are yet to determine whether warm weather can reduce the spread of coronavirus in India or not. Even in that case, a possible social isolation is advised till June. Rating agency Acuite expects a precipitous drop of over 50% in multiplex footfalls in the next 2-3 months, particularly for those which are primarily located in retail malls at Tier I or Tier II cities. "Typically, the holiday season of April-June is the peak time for big movie releases. However, the latter may get postponed due to the Covid-19 crisis," said Suman Chowdhury, president (ratings) at Acuite Ratings and Research. This quarter is completely washed out says Carnival Cinemas 
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 A few multiplex chains however acknowledged the situation like Carnival Cinemas, a multiplex chain in India with 470 screens across 120 cities. “This quarter is completely washed out and shall be down at least 40-50% as compared to last year. One, because the movie line up was weak and then the Covid-19 impact in March. It is unfortunate that the business is affected so much, but human life is of most importance,” said Mohan Umrotkar, CEO Carnival Cinemas. Considering the losses, multiplexes chains might move to the government to seek a relief package, including deferment of certain taxes. Industry insiders contend that restricted cash flows and mounting incremental costs such as rentals and operational expenses have left the sector in an untenable financial position. According to a CARE Ratings report, film exhibitors in India will lose at least ₹3,500 crore every month. That is extra bad news for the industry which was already reeling from loss of revenue from CAA protests and riots in the last quarter. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/the-us-box-office-suffered-its-worst-weekend-in-more-than-20-years/articleshow/74657349.cms">The US box office suffered its worst weekend in more than 20 years</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-hits-akshay-kumars-sooryavanshi-and-ranveer-singh-starrer-83/articleshow/74593762.cms">Coronavirus hits box office — 83 release may be delayed and Sooryavanshi struggles</a>

Cinema halls lose ₹150 crore a week with lockdowns and delayed releases

<ul><li>On October 1, <keyword id="6407732" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="inox">INOX</keyword> and PVR stocks jumped by 12% in morning trade. Though they pared some gains, both stocks still hold over 6% gains as of 2.30 pm. </li><li>Indian government’s Unlock 5.0 mandates for theatres and halls to reopen with 50% capacity from October 15.</li><li>But not just theatre chains, even the ticketing platforms like <keyword id="600792" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="BookMyShow">BookMyShow</keyword> too heaved a sigh of relief. </li></ul>After being shut for over six months, cinema halls across the country can finally look alive again as Indian government’s Unlock 5.0 mandates for theatres and movie halls to reopen with 50% capacity from October 15. But that 50% capacity was a piece of welcome news for listed theatre chains. On October 1, INOX and PVR stocks jumped by 12% in morning trade. Though they pared some gains, they were still trading higher by 6.3% and 8.35% respectively as of 2.30 pm. <div type="image" title="INOX PVR" msid="78425198" hostid="261"></div> Both Inox and PVR bore the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic. For the first three months of the current financial year, INOX reported a loss of ₹73.64 crore, while revenues fell by almost 100%. Meanwhile, PVR had posted losses to the tune of ₹226 crore. According to the Central government’s latest guidelines: <ul><li>Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50% of their seating capacity, SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting.</li><li>Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be permitted to open, for which SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce.</li></ul>But not just theatre chains, even the ticketing platforms like BookMyShow heaved a sigh of relief. In May, BookMyShow had furloughed over 270 employees as it began to deal with the pandemic. “This move will bring immense relief to scores of employees across the sector which has been one of the worst hit, through this pandemic. As the category leader, BookMyShow recognises that we are in extraordinary times and is mindful of social distancing and sanitisation amongst other factors. The health and safety of all - from cine-goers to cinema partners, production houses and execution agencies - will be of paramount importance and BookMyShow will uphold all SOPs as mandated for our users’ safe movie watching experience,” said Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow. With the upcoming festive season, Saksena added that he is confident that films and audiences will return to the big screen. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/reliance-has-bagged-nearly-half-of-all-private-equity-investments-in-india-this-year-and-that-doesnt-include-the-10-billion-from-facebook-and-google/articleshow/78422299.cms">Reliance has bagged nearly half of all private equity investments in India this year – and that doesn’t include the $10 billion from Facebook and Google</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/central-government-unlock-5-0-guidelines-cinema-halls-schools-colleges-swimming-pools-can-open-again-with-some-conditions/articleshow/78419665.cms">Unlock 5.0 guidelines – Schools and colleges set to reopen in phases, cinema halls allowed with 50% seating</a>

Inox, PVR stocks surge, BookMyShow heaves a sigh of relief as cinemas are set to reopen from October 15

Kolkata, May 6 () Owners of single-screen movietheatres in Kolkata are not very optimistic about the revivalof the ailing sector after the lifting of the lockdown, sayingthe pandemic has affected the concept of watching movies in agathering.However, they are hopeful that the movie theatres willretain their loyal audiences."We have to scale down our theatre's seating capacityby tweaking the arrangement of seats. We also have to stopscreening back-to-back shows to ensure that people do not bumpinto one another," Navin Chokhani, owner of Navina Cinema insouth Kolkata told .Chokhani also felt that movies meant for big screenscannot be released solely on over-the-top (OTT) platforms(streaming on the internet) as a section of the audience willreturn to the theatres after the return of normalcy."There have always been audiences who watch films onthe internet and people who rush to the nearby theatres.Producers will definitely keep that in mind," he said, inresponse to a query whether producers will opt for OTT if therelease of their films is delayed indefinitely due to theCOVID-19 outbreak.Arijit Dutta, owner of Priya Entertainments PrivateLtd that runs Priya Cinema on Rashbehari Avenue -- said theCOVID-19 outbreak has dealt a severe blow to the strugglingsingle screens and it will be difficult for them to make acomeback after the lockdown is lifted."When the halls reopen, social distancing has to beensured because of which show timings will have to be changedand releases will be fewer in number. It is difficult to saywhether running single screens will be even viable after allthis," Dutta said.He said the distribution business will suffer due tothe crisis which may lead to the emergence of other digitalmediums.Dutta felt the producers of medium-budget films mightgo for alternatives, OTT platforms included, if the impassecontinues as they have a lot of things at stake."We have to think of ways for sustenance asoverdependence on OTT will kill the single screens and theexisting distribution model," he said.Dutta, however, said he is not losing all hopes as hehas seen ups and downs in the sector during his long years inthe industry.Film distributor and hall owner Satadip Saha said 200single screens were operating in West Bengal before thelockdown, of which at least 60-70 may never open again afterthe lockdown is lifted.If major films are not released in cinema halls in thecoming days, the entire single screen sector will go into acomatose situation, a member of Eastern India Motion PicturesAssociation, the apex body of cinema halls and distributors inthe region, said.Suranjan Paul, owner of Minar, Bijali and Chhabigharmovie halls, however, hoped that screening of films in thetheatres cannot discontinue in the long run."The release of some films on the OTT platform can bean immediate response in the wake of the present situation dueto the lockdown but the quality of these screenings cannotmatch that of the big screens. Our loyal audience willdefinitely return once the situation normalises," he said.The Multiplex Association of India, in a statement,said, "We would like to urge all studio partners, producers,artistes and content creators to support the cinema exhibitionsector, a vital part of the value chain, by holding andreleasing their films in the theatres, once they open again.""We urge all studios, producers, artistes and othercontent creators to kindly respect the exclusive theatricalwindow, which has been a time-tested industry practice, agreedto by all stakeholders, not just in India but even globallyfor several decades," it said.The MAI hoped that after the crisis ends, thecombination of pent-up demand and promise of new movies willboost the film business and contribute to reviving theindustry."The collective, social experience of watching filmson the big screen needs to be preserved and it can be done soonly with the collective support of all the stakeholders," itsaid.A spokesperson of the association said, "We all hopethe crisis will end soon and people will return to thetheatres to watch movies on the big screens." SUSACD ACD

Kolkata cinema hall owners not optimistic about post-lockdown revival

By Gurdip Singh Singapore, Jul 13 () Singapore on Monday recorded 322 new coronavirus infections, including 11 community and five imported cases, taking the total tally to 46,283, the health ministry said. Most of the new patients are foreign workers residing in dormitories, it said. Of the 11 new community cases, two are Singaporean citizens or permanent residents (foreigners) and nine are foreigners holding work passes. The five imported patients have been placed on stay-home notice upon their arrival in Singapore, the ministry said. With the detection of the 322 new cases, Singapore's COVID-19 tally now stands at 46,283. The ministry said 3,468 coronavirus patients are isolated and cared for at community facilities for mild symptoms. A total of 42,285 patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals and community care facilities. The deadly virus has claimed 26 lives in the country. Singapore entered Phase-2 of its reopening on June 19, with the gradual resumption of operations by more businesses. Starting Monday, cinema halls are allowed to reopen. However, each cinema hall has been limited to a maximum of 50 patrons at a time. The patrons must also wear a face mask in the hall and observe the one metre safe distancing requirement, except for groups of up to five persons who are friends or family members. GS SCY SCY

Singapore reports 322 new coronavirus cases, tally reaches 46,283

<ul><li>Cinema halls in India might remain shut for at least two more months until June end, predicts a report by Prabhdas Lilladher. </li><li>Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani starrer Lakshmi Bomb might release directly on Disney+ Hotstar amid coronavirus pandemic. </li><li>Industry experts estimated that film exhibitors in India will lose at least ₹3,500 crores. Moreover, according to Shailesh Kapoor, CEO Ormax Media, these halls are losing ₹150 crore a week. </li></ul>There is bad news for all those who are wishing to rush to their nearest movie theatres soon after the lockdown ends. Cinema halls in India might remain shut for at least a month more until June end, according to a report by Prabhdas Lilladher. The coronavirus pandemic forced several states including Maharashtra and Kerala to close theatres a week before India announced a complete lockdown on March 24. It means they are already shut for 40 days which might extend to 60 days more. “The process of reopening will be gradual in nature. For instance, in some states where the COVID-19 risk is low theatres may open. However, till the time this rise resides completely, big-ticket releases may be postponed as producers may not want to lose out on business in other regions,” said the report. Every week that theatres remain closed, they’re accumulating losses to the tune of ₹150 crore, according to Shailesh Kapoor, CEO Ormax Media. Film distributors are staring at losses of ₹3,500 crore as of now, a<a href="https://www.firstpost.com/health/video-of-agra-quarantine-facility-inmates-reaching-for-water-food-goes-viral-distribution-delay-made-them-restless-says-official-8303381.html?utm_source=izooto&amp;utm_medium=push_notifications&amp;utm_campaign=Video%20of%20Agra%20quarantine%20facility%20inmates%20reaching%20for%20water%20food%20goes%20viral%20distribution%20delay%20made%20them%20restless%20says%20offic&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=">ccording to CARE Ratings</a>. Even after they open, they might not see many footfalls due to malls and will also be subject to strict social distancing norms. Due to this bleak outlook, the stocks of PVR Cinemas and INOX are on a free fall. The stock of PVT saw a 55% decline in its share between February 19 and April 27. Whereas INOX share price has declined 58% between February 24 and April 27. There is more panic in the air Since Covid-19 is an unknown devil, a lot of new research is hitting the internet every day. Even as many people discuss if the virus is airborne, a research says that a common air conditioner can spread the virus. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/cisco-accenture-genpact-and-others-hiring-for-technology-profiles/articleshow/75399629.cms">Scientists in China have earlier claimed</a> hat air conditioners can infect 10 people who are sitting near an infected person. They studied a restaurant in Guangzhou, China where an asymptomatic case has infected nine people. They recommended an increase in distance between tables and improved ventilation to contain the spread. Uncertainty on the survival of Single screens Cinema halls in India have had a bad start in 2020. First of all, it had few hits to boast of like Tanhaji and Baaghi 3. Then the coronavirus outbreak forced it to close doors as per government orders. The worst-hit among these theatres were single screens. “Single screens have been facing an existential crisis for a long time. Already fraught with hygiene and maintenance challenges which were hurting footfalls, COVID-19 induced lockdown has posed a direct threat on their survival,” said the report. Single screens exhibitors are hoping to seek a relief package from the government Is online release the future of movies? From the other side, the closure of theatres has delayed the release of several big movies like Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. A few producers are also considering releasing them directly onto streaming platforms. Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani starrer Lakshmi Bomb is one such film that might release on Disney+ Hotstar amid coronavirus pandemic. The film, remake of Muni 2: Kanchana, is expected to be completed by June, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/akshay-kumars-laxmmi-bomb-might-release-on-disney-hotstar-instead-of-theatres-report-2218162">said a media report. </a> Previously, Irfan Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan starrer Angrezi Medium was released on Disney+ Hotstar immediately after its theatrical release in March after Covid-19 concerns hit footfalls. OTT platforms in India too are upping their game, by launching shows and movies to engage people during lockdown. Amazon Prime, recently, added Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan a gay comic love story which was released in February this year. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/lockdown-watchlist-want-to-binge-watch-a-show-that-lasts-a-week-try-these-long-running-shows-on-netflix-amazon-prime-disney-hotstar-and-others/articleshow/75173116.cms">Lockdown Watchlist: Want to binge-watch a show that lasts a week? Try these long-running shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar and others. </a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/cinema-halls-await-for-behind-the-screens-as-they-lose-150-crore-a-week/articleshow/74689696.cms">Cinema halls lose ₹150 crore a week with lockdowns and delayed releases</a>

Cinema halls may not open in India until June end

BCCL<ul><li>Digital release of the films might be another component of the ‘new normal’ that experts anticipate post-COVID-19. </li><li>While big production houses may be able to afford to wait it out until the lockdown ends, medium and small budget film producers may not have an option but to release their films on OTT platforms. </li><li>Business Insider spoke to media and entertainment experts about how sustainable is the option of releasing films directly onto the streaming services. </li><li>Indian film producers are likely to make only half the profit through digital release.</li></ul>With cinema halls closed, streaming platforms are chasing film producers premiere films on their platforms during the nationwide lockdown. These OTT platforms have been under pressure to provide new content frequently to sustain user growth. It’s not just OTT platforms but film producers too, who are trying to not lose money by opting for a web premier. Some upcoming films like <keyword id="3371986" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakshmi-Bomb">Lakshmi Bomb</keyword> featuring Akshay Kumar are in talks with Disney+Hotstar for a release. Even <keyword id="6245082" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ZEE5">Zee5</keyword> is considering premiering movies directly on its platform in the near future. On the other hand, some are holding out — like Kabir Khan’s <keyword id="6411340" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="83">83</keyword>, despite <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2020/apr/28/ranveer-singhs-83--not-headed-to-digital-platforms-makers-clarify-2136111.html">receiving a ₹143 crore offer. </a> Digital release of the films might be another component of the ‘new normal’ that experts anticipate post-COVID-19. Business Insider spoke to media and entertainment experts about how sustainable is the option of releasing films directly onto the streaming services. Will web premiers be the new normal? While big production houses may be able to afford to wait it out until the lockdown ends, medium and small budget film producers may not have an option but to release their films on OTT platforms. “With Box Office collections continuing to account for a lion’s share of a film’s overall revenues, some producers may choose to bide their time and wait for the situation to normalize, rather than settle for potentially lower revenues by releasing on an OTT platform” Girish Menon, Partner and Head, Media and Entertainment, KPMG in India told Business Insider. Film critic and senior entertainment journalist Latha Srinivasan believes producers who are looking to make a profit on their films are aware that streaming services might not be able to match the returns of a theatrical release. Producers in India first release the films in the theatres and bag an offer for streaming it online two to three months after the premier. However, once the film is released on OTT platforms audiences will no longer flock to the theatre to watch the same film, Srinivasan pointed out. No gain no loss <div type="image" title="19685ADE-A79D-4CAF-AA60-62A0B55DB7B1" msid="75563988" hostid="261"></div> (BCCL). Even those producers who are considering a digital release aren’t going to make any profit out of it. Just like film producer Akshay Bardapurkar — whose film AB Aani CD featuring Amitabh Bachchan recently released on Amazon Prime — who opted for a digital release to recover losses. “The calendar is likely to get bunched and smaller films will have a tough time finding a screen. Screens will be a big problem. Therefore, some of the smaller movies may decide that it is better to release films on OTT platform,” Jehil Thakkar from Deloitte India told Business Insider. Once theatres open, footfall will continue to be tempered even if people decide to head out and go for a movie. The audience will also be very selective about which movie to watch. Thakkar believes, the trend will ultimately depend on how much OTT platforms are willing to shell out in order to purchase a film. A producer would expect at least 60% return to be on even keel with expected returns from the box office. At the current rate, Indian producers would earn at least 25% to 50% less on OTT platforms in comparison to releasing their movie across theatres in India as well as overseas. “For example, a film of Stree, Badhai Ho and Raazi’s calibre would easily lose between ₹35 to 55 crores per film by avoiding the theatrical release. But there is no option for a few producers, as once the theatres, open windows for releasing films even of A-list actors would be very limited,” Murlidhar Chhatwani, Managing Partner, Panorama Studios Distribution The existential crisis of cinema halls in India <div type="image" title="250E5197-081D-4523-B580-FFD3FEEB39D6" msid="75563911" hostid="261"></div>Tickets counter of Fun cinema in Hinoo area wears a deserted look after state government announced a closure of all major public places including cinema halls amid corona scare in Ranchi (BCCL) Apart from big producers, theatres also don’t want films to be released on OTT platforms as it would eat their business. On April 5, Multiplexes Association of India urged all producers and directors to refrain from the digital release of the film and wait until the theatres are open again. Cinema halls in India are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/cinema-halls-await-for-behind-the-screens-as-they-lose-150-crore-a-week/articleshow/74689696.cms">losing ₹150 crore a week</a> ever since India shut down 9500 screens over coronavirus outbreak. In South, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association (TNTOA) have threatened 2D Animation — a production house of actor Surya — after it reportedly made a ₹9 crore deal to release film on Amazon Prime. Theatres are banking on post covid-19 release of films in large numbers for the revival of their business. See also:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/cinema-halls-may-not-open-in-india-until-june-end/articleshow/75407053.cms">Cinema halls may not open in India until June end</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/disney-hotstar-amazon-prime-videos-zee-5-gained-a-lot-this-lockdown-and-it-might-not-be-temporary-either/articleshow/75443378.cms">Streaming platforms who are on a new high — are hosting web premiers and might even expand to gaming</a>

A film producer, a critic, and analysts explain an existential threat to Indian movie makers

Kathmandu, Cinema halls across Kathmandu on Friday stopped the screening of '<keyword id="9776044" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adipurush" source="Orion">Adipurush</keyword>', a day after Mayor Balen Shah warned that no Indian movie will be allowed in the Nepal capital if the film based on the Hindu epic <keyword id="6363500" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ramayana" source="Orion">Ramayana</keyword> does not correct the "mistake" about the birthplace of Sita. The <keyword id="17720608" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nepal-film-union" source="Orion">Nepal Film Union</keyword> has urged all the cinema halls in Kathmandu to stop showing 'Adipurush' and urged theatres outside the capital to release it only after assessing the security situation. In a tweet on Thursday, the Mayor said that in 'Adipurush', it is mentioned that "Sita is the daughter of India". He added that until this mistake will not be corrected in India and Nepal, no Indian movie will be allowed to be shown within the Kathmandu metropolitan city limit. The film is written and directed by <keyword id="2236748" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="om-raut" source="Orion">Om Raut</keyword> and produced by T-Series and Retrophiles. Shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu languages, the film has courted controversy in India as well. In a statement, Nepal's QFX Cinemas said: "Keeping the security of our viewers, QFX is not going to show 'Adipurush'... We are waiting for the government's decision. As soon as this issue is resolved, we will issue another notice and apologise for the inconvenience to our viewers." Nepal's Censor Board also decided to hold back permission to the upcoming Indian epic mythological film, based on the Hindu epic "Ramayana", for the same reason. Sita was born in Nepal's Janakpur and Lord Rama came and married her, as per the Ramayana. Besides Mayor Balen Shah, some sister organisations of various political parties have also protested against the film and warned that they will not allow the screening until the filmmakers correct the mistakes regarding the birthplace of Sita. This is not the first time that Mayor Shah ratcheted up the nationalist planks. Mayor Shah on June 8 placed the map of Greater Nepal in his chamber to counter the Indian "Akhand Bharat" map placed in the new Parliament building. The main opposition, CPN-UML has demanded to send a diplomatic note to India to protest the "Akhand" map. --IANS ag/ksk/

Kathmandu cinema halls stop screening of Adipurush over Sita birthplace issue

<ul><li>Restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas were allowed to reopen just after midnight, with some hair salons welcoming clients in the early hours, but pubs had to wait until 6 a.m., after Downing Street expressed fears of early morning partying, reports the BBC.</li><li>Other places now allowed to reopen in England include outdoor gyms, children's playgrounds, libraries, community centres, bingo halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, theme parks, amusement arcades, outdoor skating rinks, social clubs and model villages.</li><li>Places of worship can open for prayers and services, including weddings with up to 30 guests </li></ul> <keyword id="6354968" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="london">London</keyword>, Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas in England on Saturday reopened their doors for the first time in three months after a major relaxation of coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas were allowed to reopen just after midnight, with some hair salons welcoming clients in the early hours, but pubs had to wait until 6 a.m., after Downing Street expressed fears of early morning partying, reports the BBC. Other places now allowed to reopen in England include outdoor gyms, children's playgrounds, libraries, community centres, bingo halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, theme parks, amusement arcades, outdoor skating rinks, social clubs and model villages. Places of worship can open for prayers and services, including weddings with up to 30 guests Two households will also be able to meet indoors or outside, including for overnight stays, although they have to maintain social distancing. As measures eased, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to act responsibly, while the government's scientific advisers said the latest step was not "risk-free". Johnson said a timetable for reopening other businesses including gyms, nail salons and night clubs would be set out next week. People in England are still required stay 2-metre apart, but the new "one metre plus" guidance means they can get closer if they use "mitigation" measures, such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face, reports the BBC. Each UK nation's lockdown measures differ, including varying rules on the reopening of food and drink outlets. In Northern Ireland, pubs and restaurants can reopen on July 10. In Scotland, beer gardens and outdoor restaurants will be allowed to reopen from July 6, and indoor areas can be used from July15. The Welsh government has promised talks with the hospitality sector about a "potential phased" reopening, but no dates have yet been given. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/who-team-to-reach-china-next-week-to-probe-sars-cov-2-source/articleshow/76783846.cms">WHO team to reach China next week to probe SARS-CoV-2 source</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/intel-will-speed-up-mukesh-ambanis-5g-run-power-him-with-ai-and-possibly-a-jio-laptop/articleshow/76780290.cms">Intel will speed up Mukesh Ambani’s 5G run, power him with AI and possibly a Jio laptop⁠— all in return for massive amount of data</a>

England allows pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas to reopen

<ul><li>As different markets slowly open up, the cinema industry is gearing up to facilitate a safe environment for their consumers. </li><li>However, consumers continue to feel anxious about stepping out and ponder upon various safety concerns like what would the seating arrangement be like, how often will they sanitize the cinema halls and how safe will the food be? We spoke to multiplexes to find out the answers.</li></ul>The world is constantly changing and will not be the same after we come out of this situation for a while. Like every other industry, the experience of watching a film in theatre with a large set of audience might not be the same either. As the pandemic-induced lockdown has pushed us towards subscribing to more streaming platforms, the latest movie premiers on Amazon Prime in India left the industry concerned for the future of cinema. However, contrary to the perception being built in the trade and media, Ormax Media’s latest report revealed that high consumption of films on TV and OTT has not reduced the audience attraction for theatrical experience. The report further said that audiences have given whole-hearted endorsement to the theatrical experience, with 82% missing going to the theatres. A dominant section of the audience also said that they will go back to the theatres within 2-3 weeks of them re-opening. Social distancing and sanitization precautions taken by theatres will play a crucial role in their decision to visit. On a scale of one to 100, the respondents gave high importance to almost all safety measures, which were as follows: <div type="image" title="ormax media report - safety concerns" msid="76042822" hostid="261"></div> Multiplexes have, therefore, put their best foot forward to ensure they build a safe environment and tweak their marketing strategy to reach to their consumers at different touch points in their ticketing journey. We caught up with <keyword id="799" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PVR">PVR</keyword>’s Joint Managing Director, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli and <keyword id="6407732" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="inox">Inox</keyword> Leisure’s CEO, Alok Tandon to find out what kind of precautions they have taken to build customer confidence for their return to the cinemas.and what would the future of the industry look like once we resume normalcy. The future is contactless As per Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), all cinema halls are required to disinfect every possible area in the premises starting from the entrance to F&amp;B stand to the auditorium. To ensure a safe distance is maintained, theatres will be demarcating circles in the foyer and encourage digital transactions to avoid queuing. Before you enter the hall, your body temperature will also be checked through guns, and if found with a high temperature, your amount will be refunded. In regular auditoriums, families and groups will be seated together and one adjacent seat would be left empty. Luxurious halls that come with existing width between each recliner seat, will not have to leave a vacant seat in between. Use and throw 3D glasses will be distributed and premium IMAX 3D glasses will be disinfected after every use. <div type="image" title="cinema screen" msid="76042795" hostid="261"></div> But what about impulsive watchers? “To offer a contactless experience to those guests who make an impulsive decision to watch a movie, I am glad to share that 100% of our POS card machines are enabled for contactless transactions,” shares Tandon. To help detect asymptomatic cases, PVR has tied up with a hospital, name not disclosed to the media yet, to arrange body check-ups for their employees once or twice a week. Reviving back to its full strength Both Tandon and Bijli are certain that the audiences’ passion for cinema will remain unaffected. They opine that the future of cinema is secure and stable. “We will now assign greater significance towards understanding the needs and aspirations of the fast evolving consumers and working out ways to satisfy them, through services and experiences, and of course, safety. We will continue to focus on customizations and personalization, and we know that a cookie-cutter approach may not work, and I am glad that we are well equipped to handle it. The liking for the giant screen has stood the test of time and has seen through many difficult phases in its century old history. We believe this passion will take care of the concerns and apprehension and will bring back the ‘old normal’, which featured gangs coming together, seated hand in hand, sharing popcorns, having celebrations over lip-smacking meals and above all, a heavy exchange of emotions,” said Tandon. “The future of cinema in the post-COVID world is very bright,” said Bijli. He added, “We are all just waiting for cinema to open to showcase our new protocols on safety and hygiene to give confidence to the consumers that it is safe place to come back and enjoy their favourite form of entertainment -- as and when we do open, which I feel is not very far from now. Industries are opening up slowly, we are seeing more relaxations now. Before COVID, 60-65% of the tickets were bought online and we’ll continue to push that.” To engage with their consumers and make sure they trust them, Bijli shared that PVR is going to communicate the precautions it has taken via digital media and might explore print if it picks up. It has also conducted an email survey amongst its consumer base to understand their expectations better and continue to engage with them. How long till we see the old normal? We reached out to a few industry experts to understand how long it will take for cinema to revive considering that a lot of people will continue to avoid crowded places. Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media highlighted that multiplexes will need to strengthen their marketing strategy to regain trust among consumers. He said, “Cinemas will reopen at some stage, but it's difficult to say when. The most optimistic estimate will be August, but it could be as late as Sep-Oct. Theatre chains will have to build confidence in the audience's minds that it is safe to revisit theatres. For this, theatres will need to take safety measures and do campaigns promoting these safety measures. Bigger chains like PVR and INOX will be able to get more audience trust than smaller chains and local cinemas.” Harikrishnan Pillai, CEO and co-founder, TheSmallBigIdea thinks creation of content will not be a problem but changing the distribution and pricing strategy will play a key role in luring the consumers onto different platforms. “While creation will have its challenges, it is still a smaller hurdle. The future of cinema depends on how distribution and pricing is handled. I think new pricing models will evolve. Producers have always been selling satellite and overseas and have covered a part of their cost. OTT rights was a new norm that added to this revenue. With an OTT-first release, these films could command a premium. But that premium won't cover the loss made by muting the biggest distribution channel, which are the theatres. So theoretically revenue loss is imminent. But here’s the twist. When you make a film, there is a chance of it tanking at the box office. So if the film is sold outright to a platform on the back of the star cast and the perception, there is a possibility that the producers will end up hedging possible losses. Big films with big star cast might go for models where they will have a fee and a percent of new downloads or have a completely different pay per view model being developed with the OTT platform and make it the new box office window.” Karan Taurani, Vice President - Research Analyst, Elara Capital said that the cinema industry will take a lot of time to come back on-track and contactless will be its future. “When cinemas open up, they will start with 10% occupancy and slowly move to 15-20% and peak out at 25%. I think social distancing will prevail until there is a vaccination or a cure,” said Taurani.

You Searched For "cinema halls timings" and got 14 results

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Cinema halls may not open in India until June end

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A film producer, a critic, and analysts explain an existential threat to Indian movie makers

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Kathmandu cinema halls stop screening of Adipurush over Sita birthplace issue

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England allows pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas to reopen

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