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<ul><li>Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), domestic mutual funds are raising their stake in multiplex firms like Inox Leisure, PVR on hopes of <keyword id="9450879" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="theatres-reopening">theatres reopening</keyword> soon.</li><li>Investors cheered this development as shares of both multiplex stocks gained on July 27.</li><li>Analysts expect the multiplex industry to gradually recover in the second half of FY22.</li></ul>Multiplex chains, which are among the worst hit by the pandemic have finally found some hope as <keyword id="46604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="theatres">theatres</keyword> are reopening as COVID-19-induced restrictions are being relaxed. <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/maharashtra-shops-may-open-for-longer-hours-as-govt-set-to-relax-some-restrictions-this-week-11627264968238.html">Reports </a>said that Maharashtra government may announce more relaxations in the pandemic-related curbs, this week, imposed during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the state. Moreover, the Delhi government on July 24 announced a slew of unlocking measures and allowed the cinema halls and theatres, and multiplexes to function with 50% capacity. Shares of Inox Leisure and PVR gained 6% and 1.3% respectively on July 27 at 12:51 p.m. Foreign portfolio investor (FPI) holdings in Inox Leisure have <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/stock-markets/fpis-mfs-increase-stake-in-pvr-inox-leisure/article35546798.ece">reportedly</a> gone up by 8.09% year-on-year to 16.44% as of April-June 2021 from 9.53% in the same quarter last year. Also, mutual funds’ holdings also went up to 23.09% from 19.72% during the same period. Also, a <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/amazon-eyes-potential-stake-in-indias-inox-leisure-report/articleshow/84782764.cms">report</a> by Indian Express suggested that Amazon.com India is in talks with several domestic players in film and media distribution including Inox Leisure for a potential stake. It may be looking to expand its content streaming platform Prime Video. Reacting to the report, Inox Leisure released a statement on exchanges saying there are no discussions taking place with Amazon, nor were there any such discussions in the past. It stated the news report was factually incorrect. <div type="image" title="inox stock chart" height="900" width="1200" msid="84785863" hostid="261"></div> A report by Sharekhan Research expects gradual recovery in this space while it said multiplex business is going to be a sustainable model in the long term. “Expect gradual recovery over the next 2-3 quarters as COVID vaccination is catching pace… We believe the multiplex business is going to be a sustainable model in the long term given Indian movie-goers’ strong appetite for the silver screen… We continue to remain positive on the stock, given a net debt-free balance sheet and potential for healthy earnings growth over FY21-FY23,” said a report on Inox Leisure published on April 29. <div type="image" title="PVR stock chart" height="900" width="1200" msid="84785899" hostid="261"></div> Meanwhile, a report by Maybank Kim Eng Securities on PVR dated June 3 said it sees a threat from over the top (OTT) platforms witnessing direct release on their platforms. It hopes big movies will release on box office and not on OTT. “We factored in 67 million footfalls in FY22 estimates, as we expect a weak recovery in footfalls even during second half of FY22 which is contingent upon the government’s vaccination drive and reaching herd immunity, strong content pipeline -- key movies such as ‘Sooryavanshi’, ‘Lal Singh Chaddha’ and ‘83’ release on box-office and not on OTT,” said the report. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/elon-musks-tesla-second-quarter-earnings-show-that-its-bitcoin-holding-cost-the-company-23-million-in-impairment/articleshow/84784933.cms">Elon Musk’s Tesla second-quarter earnings show that its Bitcoin holding cost the company $23 million in impairment </a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/lok-sabha-mp-mahua-moitra-says-delisting-of-adani-power-need-to-be-looked-into/articleshow/84752594.cms">Adani Group in spotlight again — Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra says delisting of Adani Power needs to be ‘looked into’ </a>

Inox Leisure, PVR stocks shine on hopes of theatres reopening soon

<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

<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

<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

loans, tax waiverKolkata, May 13 () Cinema hall owners in WestBengal have urged the state government to waive their taxesand provide financial assistance and interest-free loans tothem in view of the closure of the movie screens due to thelockdown.The Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA),Exhibitors' Section, in a recent letter to Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee, has urged the state government to reimburseat least 50 per cent of the salaries paid by the cinema hallowners to their employees during the lockdown period.The association has also sought interest-free loans ofRs 2 lakh per cinema hall after reopening of theestablishments so that the owners can pay their backlogs andreturn to business, the letter, made available to the media onWednesday, said.The body said it would take at least 18 months for thesector to return anywhere close to normalcy after the lockdownis lifted.It urged the state government to waive GST, show tax,local entertainment tax, property tax and other municipaltaxes for at least two years from the date of closure of thecinema halls.The association sought nominal imposition of servicetax so that cinema hall owners can upgrade the facilities."The effects of COVID-19 are nil revenue withsalaries, taxes, rent payments, electricity bills all accruingagainst zero revenue. Cinemas were the first to shut down andmaybe one of the last to be allowed to operate post-lockdown,"the letter said.It pointed out that over 500 single screens in WestBengal have downed their shutters over the last two decadesdue to a gradual decline in audience numbers and lack offunding to upgrade the facilities."The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the final blow tothe sector," the association said.EIMPA Exhibitors' Section Chairman Ratan Saha told on Wednesday, "If there is no incentive in the post-lockdownscenario for single screens and regional multiplexes, theowners, who will have to reduce seating capacity by 60-70 percent to maintain social distancing, will have to close downthe facilities and use the properties for other purposes."The association boasts of membership of owners of morethan 200 cinema halls in the state. SUSACD ACD

Lockdown: Cinema hall owners' body urges Bengal govt for aid,

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

<keyword id="6354779" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaipur">Jaipur</keyword>, The Rajasthan government has decided to <keyword id="9188126" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="reopen-schools">reopen schools</keyword> from Class 6 to 8 from next Monday with compliance of coronavirus-related guidelines. Along with this, <keyword id="37181" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="colleges">colleges</keyword> for first year and second year students, multiplex, theatre, cinema halls and swimming pools will also open, and 200 people will be allowed in social functions instead of 100. The decisions were taken in by chief minister in a meeting on Sunday evening. Fifty per cent of the strength will be allowed in school and colleges on a day. Similarly, cinema halls will be able to function with 50 per cent capacity. The <keyword id="37180" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="schools">schools</keyword> for students from 9 to 12 and colleges for final year students have already opened, according to a release. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/article/the-many-marvels-of-satpura-biosphere-reserve/articleshow/80598269.cms">The many marvels of Satpura Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/india-travel-and-tourism-sector-is-hoping-that-the-budget-2021-wont-leave-them-behind/articleshow/80596702.cms">India’s travel and tourism sector is hoping that the Budget won’t leave them behind</a>

Rajasthan to reopen schools for class 6,8 and colleges from February 8

<ul><li>Theatres are opening up in Maharashtra today and <keyword id="799" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="pvr" source="Orion">PVR</keyword> has taken this opportunity to launch a luxury offering, <keyword id="12351605" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pvr-maison" source="Orion">PVR Maison</keyword> at Jio World Drive in BKC.</li><li><keyword id="3185120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renaud-palliere" source="Orion">Renaud Palliere</keyword>, CEO, The <keyword id="12359381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="luxury-collections" source="Orion">Luxury Collections</keyword>, <keyword id="89807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PVR-Cinemas" source="Orion">PVR Cinemas</keyword> tells us all about the new offering and why he is optimistic about the segment's revival.</li></ul>Maharashtra, one of the key markets for the revival of the multiplex industry, is finally reopening cinema halls today. And right in time for the reopening and to dazzle the audience back to screens, multiplex chain PVR has launched a new luxury boutique property at Jio World Drive in the suburban Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The architecture of this 6-screen multiplex is inspired by the popular French Grand Maison and comprises foyers, luxurious lounges, libraries with art and curiosities, grand living rooms and open kitchens with premium food concepts. On why this was a good time to open a luxury multiplex, Renaud Palliere, CEO, The Luxury Collections, PVR Cinemas said, “I think this was the perfect time and there are several reasons for that. Firstly, we had the benefit of opening up in other states and we've seen very good response for the marketplace. There has been some pent-up demand for out-of-home entertainment. People have been cooped up for so long that they are really keen to go out, obviously after following all the safety protocols. They are happy to go back to some sense of normalcy and we’re sure we’ll see that here as well. Moreover, the kind of footfall we’ve been observing in malls is a clear indication that people are coming back out en masse. So we thought this was the perfect moment to give our customers and the market a sense of hope, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.” PVR has been working on increasing its luxury offerings to cater to a growing demand in the segment. Before the pandemic hit, the multiplex chain had plans of adding close to 15 screens by 2020, a plan which came to a halt last year. With 6 luxury properties already function in different metro cities, PVR aims to add around 4 more over the next 18 months. With the opening of this new property, PVR’s total screen count will stand at 157 screens across 38 properties in Maharashtra. As people are still cautious about going out, PVR is also ensuring it follows all safety protocols to make the overall experience safe for its consumers. Speaking about all that they are doing to be relevant in the post-Covid world, Palliere said, “Our audience’s safety is of utmost importance to us. It starts with ensuring that the team is completely up to mark with vaccination and is 100% vaccinated. Additionally, we will take care to follow all social distancing norms and SOPs. We are not cutting corners in that regard because it is very important that everybody feels comfortable and confident that they’re entering and experiencing a safe place.” Meanwhile, speaking about his optimist about the industry with the reopening of screens, Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director, PVR Ltd Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director, PVR Ltd said, “The effects of the pandemic will linger but we are hopeful that 2021 will bring back the theatre-going audience and with the change in the scenario, we can assure PVR Maison will be a delightful experience for the patrons. We are happy to welcome back our patrons in the key market of Mumbai, being the hub of the Hindi film industry and the state of Maharashtra.”

As it unveils its most luxurious boutique multiplex yet in Mumbai, PVR is confident of a healthy revival with the opening up of theatres in Maharashtra

<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.

Here is how multiplexes are gearing up for post-lockdown period

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Shops, gyms, offices, bars, nail salons, cinemas, barbershops, beaches, gyms, offices, childcare facilities, and personal care services are among the businesses that have reopened in <keyword id="15710" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="texas">Texas</keyword>.</li><li>Professional sports leagues, including basketball, baseball, football, and tennis, can hold events from May 31, but fans are not allowed.</li><li>Regardless of the type of establishment, people are encouraged to maintain physical distance, keep their faces covered, and wash or sanitize their hands frequently.</li></ul><a href="https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas">Texas</a> is one of several states that has relaxed <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> containment measures put in place in March.Shops, gyms, offices, nail salons, movie theaters, barbershops, churches, and beaches are among a slew of facilities that are open to the public. Gov. <keyword id="1110279" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Greg-Abbott">Greg Abbott</keyword> has also allowed restaurants to reopen up to half of their maximum capacity.By Thursday, May 28, the US crossed 1.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and 100,000 deaths. In Texas, 58,543 people have been infected and at least 1,581 have died, based on data from <a href="https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6">Johns Hopkins University</a>. It is the seventh worst-hit state in the nation.And no matter where people go, they are encouraged to stay at least six feet apart, wear face masks, and wash their hands frequently.Warm weather over Memorial Day weekend lured crowds to the state's beaches, lakes, and parks, where people's faces were uncovered and <keyword id="8897280" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="social-distancing">social distancing</keyword> guidelines were being flouted."If I get it, everybody else is going to get it," Dieontray Napoleon told <a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/05/25/if-i-get-it-everybody-else-is-going-to-get-it-crowds-head-to-comal-river-over-memorial-day-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">KSAT-TV</a>. "Hey, that's life."Houston resident Mario Camacho echoed the same sentiment."I'm worried, but at the same it's whatever," he told the local TV station. "We've just be at home with the quarantine and all that stuff, so we decided to come out here and have a good time."Still, the Republican governor <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1265120191295492097">tweeted</a> positive <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="news">news</keyword> on Monday: "Today Texas had the fewest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hashtag_click">#COVID19</a> fatalities since the end of March. We also had the fewest COVID hospitalizations since the middle of April. And, we have the 2nd most recoveries from COVID in America."<h2>Cases in Texas surged after the state started reopening, but appear to have flattened</h2>Abbott has defended the fast clip at which the state is resuming business, saying its death and hospitalization rates are lower than in other states of similar size, such as Florida and California, <a href="https://apnews.com/b467a7155154770bd69c379d8889c126">the Associated Press reported</a>.So far, Texas has conducted 855,674 coronavirus tests, pacing behind Florida's 933,571 tests and nearly half of California's 1.73 million tests, according to the <a href="https://covidtracking.com/data">COVID Tracking Project</a>. That means less than 3% of 29 million Texans have been tested.<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/27/862215848/across-texas-black-and-hispanic-neighborhoods-have-fewer-coronavirus-testing-sit">NPR reported</a> on testing disparities in Texas and found limited access in parts of big cities that minority populations call home. For instance, six out of 18 sites in Fort Worth, nine out of 25 sites in Austin, and five out of 18 sites in El Paso are located in neighborhoods with the lowest density of white people."If you're casting a very small net, and you're shining a flashlight on a small portion of infections that are out there, you might think you're doing OK," Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, the lead epidemiologist with the Johns Hopkins COVID Testing Insights Initiative, told NPR. "Whereas there's this whole pool of infections that you haven't seen."Abbott said in a <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-releases-statement-provides-details-on-increased-cases-in-amarillo">statement</a> on May 16 that he anticipates the number of new infections in Texas to rise as the state doubles down on testing "most high-risk areas: nursing homes, meatpacking plants and jails.""That is exactly why I established Surge Response Teams," he added. "By immediately deploying resources and supplies to these high risk areas, we will identify the positive cases, isolate the individuals and ensure any outbreak is quickly contained, which is the strategy being deployed in Amarillo."On May 27, Abbott said medical professionals and the Texas National Guard have been able to control the outbreak in meatpacking plants in the Panhandle, <a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/gov-greg-abbott-to-provide-update-wednesday-afternoon-on-covid-19-surge-response/2377009/">NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported</a>. From 734 new cases on May 16, the area is down to no new cases on May 25 and 26, he said.<h2>What's open in Texas</h2><div type="image" title="coronavirus testing texas el paso nasal swab lockdown " height="1668" width="2500" msid="75816549" hostid="261"></div>Abbott's goal is to <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas">open Texas</a> fully.Gyms, offices, and nonessential manufacturing facilities reopened on May 18, but social distancing is still required, and none of them can exceed 25% of their maximum capacity. At gyms, showers and locker areas will remain off-limits, equipment must be sanitized after each use, and gloves are mandatory.The governor announced also that childcare centers can resume operations effective immediately, alongside massage parlors, beauty salons, and other personal care services. Youth clubs, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, are allowed to hold meetings with no more than 10 members at a time, all of whom must remain 6 feet away from each other.Abbott also gave bars, wine tasting rooms, bowling alleys, skating rinks, bingo halls, aquariums, and equestrian events the green light to reopen on May 22 so long as they stay under 25% of their maximum occupancy rate. Zoos followed suit on May 25 as well as driving schools on May 26.Indoor and outdoor water parks have been greenlit to resume operations from May 29, but aren't permitted to exceed 25% of their maximum occupancy. Interactive events and exhibits, including child play and amusement areas, are to remain closed. People who are over 65 years old or have underlying health conditions are encouraged to stay home, while people who go to the parks are asked to screen themselves for coronavirus symptoms and to ensure that they're with no more than 10 people.Starting May 31, professional sports, including basketball, baseball, car racing, football, golf, and tennis, can hold events, but fans are not allowed on the premises, based on state guidelines. Day and overnight youth camps can also reopen on Sunday.<h2>Texans are split on whether reopening fully is a good idea</h2><div type="image" title="texas governor greg abbott reopen economy coronavirus lockdown" height="1250" width="2500" msid="75816550" hostid="261"></div>In Austin, restaurant owners have been tasked with maintaining logs of customers to help with contact tracing if needed. They also know that health officials might call them out in the case of an outbreak, the AP reported.Eric Silverstein, who owns The Peached Tortilla, said he and others in the restaurant industry should be willing to do whatever it takes to open back up."We have no choice," he told the AP. "You kind of have to go back to doing some form of business."But not everyone shared the sentiment.Suzanne Daniels, who owns the Brentwood Social House, told the AP she wasn't trying to compete with restaurants that are offering indoor seating. She said she doesn't know when she'll feel safe enough to do so."It feels early," Daniels told the AP. "In my gut, it doesn't feel right or good."All 50 states, notably <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wisconsin-supreme-court-overturns-coronavirus-tony-evers-shutdown-packed-bars-2020-5">Wisconsin</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/georgia-governor-brian-kemp-coronavirus-lockdown-lifted-economy-2020-4">Georgia</a>, have started to relax restrictions, but Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert, has warned of "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fauci-warning-senate-on-danger-of-opening-us-prematurely-2020-5">needless suffering and death</a>" if the US reopens prematurely.The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center projected that Dallas County could experience an uptick of 800 new cases every day by early July if containment measures are flouted, <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/public-health/2020/05/14/dallas-county-could-see-summer-surge-in-covid-19-cases-utsw-scientists-say/">The Dallas Morning News reported</a>.<div type="image" title="coronavirus texas restaurants lockdown" height="1668" width="2500" msid="75767543" hostid="261"></div><h2>A surge in cases could overrun hospitals </h2>Another model, <a href="https://policylab.chop.edu/covid-lab-mapping-covid-19-your-community">this one by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's PolicyLab</a>, projected that Harris County, where Houston is located, could see a daily increase of 2,000 new cases by June."We're not equipped to handle that type of surge. We can take about 200 cases a day, for example, with contact tracing and we're building up that program," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner told <a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/05/24/houston-mayor-were-not-equipped-to-handle-surge/">KSAT</a>.Turner stressed that although parts of Texas are open, "the virus is still here.""There are still people who think it's a joke, and it's not a joke," he told KSAT. "Things have opened up. We're in stage two in the state of Texas so bars, restaurants, barbershops, you name it, are now open. So (we're) nervous but we're going to do everything we can to manage the virus."That didn't stop the Liberty Tree Tavern, located near Austin, from posting: "Due to our concern for customers, if they FEEL (not think), that they need to wear a mask, they should stay home until they FEEL that it's safe to be in public without one. Sorry, No Mask Allowed."<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/texas-bar-bans-coronavirus-masks-inside">Fox News reported</a> that the bar's co-owner, Kevin Smith, said the move was "more of a pushback" against contact tracers because "this is still a rural county."Meanwhile, Texas has also experienced friction between state and local authorities.State Attorney General Ken Paxton censured officials in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio for enforcing restrictions that are stricter than what Abbott has implemented statewide for Texas. The cities have been threatened with lawsuits if they don't ease up, the AP reported."Unfortunately, a few Texas counties and cities seem to have confused recommendations with requirements and have grossly exceeded state law to impose their own will on private citizens and businesses," Paxton told the AP.In El Paso, county judge Ricardo Samaniego requested that Abbott wait until the number of cases are declining and closely consider data before further lifting restrictions. He's still awaiting a reply, according to the AP.<div type="image" title="texas coronavirus lockdown lifting nail salon " height="1669" width="2500" msid="75767541" hostid="261"></div>"I'm not fighting his plan; I'm fighting his timing," Samaniego told the AP. "It looks like it would work for us months from now."Abbott, for his part, points to the fact that overflow hospitals in Dallas and Houston were never used. That's an indicator that Texas' healthcare system wasn't overwhelmed, he said.On Wednesday, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that voters cannot apply for mail-in ballots based on a lack of immunity to the coronavirus, according to the <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2020/05/27/texas-vote-by-mail-coronavirus/">Texas Tribune</a>. The court sided with Paxton, saying, "We agree with the State that a voter's lack of immunity to COVID-19, without more, is not a 'disability' as defined by the Election Code," the court wrote.State's residents who are over 65 years old, have a sickness or disability, will be out of town when the election rolls around, or are in jail qualify for mail-in ballots, the Tribune said.<h2>There's a lag in reporting virus cases, so what we're seeing today is usually a reflection of what was happening 2 weeks ago</h2>The results of Texas' reopening — and the effects in other states — aren't yet fully known, since the coronavirus has a lag time, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-lag-time-covid-19-cases-past-infections-2020-4">Fauci said in April</a>.New cases and hospitalizations reported today are a reflection of the coronavirus' spread two weeks ago because the average incubation period is five days, and symptoms worsen over a week or two. Then after a person gets tested, it takes a few days for results to come back, which then must be reported to local and state health authorities. If someone is hospitalized, it may take many more days before they get dangerously sick or die.<div type="image" title="houston coronavirus patient texas lockdown" height="1667" width="2500" msid="75768738" hostid="261"></div>That's why the White House guidelines advise states to see a 14-day "downward trajectory" in cases before they reopen, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/05/07/us/coronavirus-states-reopen-criteria.html">The New York Times reported</a>."They see the decline going in, and they pat themselves on the back and say, 'Look at the good work we've done. Now we can let this happen and open up things,'" Dennis Perrotta, a retired state epidemiologist in Texas, told the AP. "And then we get slammed with a second peak."Public health experts agree that once states reopen, they must combine widespread testing with contact tracing and social distancing to keep outbreaks from flaring back up.Have a news tip? Email this reporter: <a href="mailto:rmahbubani@businessinsider.com">rmahbubani@businessinsider.com</a>.Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-governor-greg-abbott-lifts-coronavirus-restrictions-new-cases-2020-5">Business Insider</a>

Texas coronavirus cases decline as businesses reopen and people resume social lives, but Houston mayor warns, 'The virus is still here'

Aizawl, The <keyword id="65591" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mizoram">Mizoram</keyword> government has decided to allow reopening of schools for <keyword id="3216" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="students">students</keyword> of class 10 and 12 from January 22 and places of worship from February. According to the <keyword id="10036463" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-unlock-guidelines">new unlock guidelines</keyword> issued on Saturday schools and hostels will reopen from January 22 for students of class 10 and 12. The guidelines said churches will be allowed to open with 50% sitting capacity or 200 <keyword id="2278432" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="attendees">attendees</keyword> on every Saturday and Sunday noon time from first February. Churches in Christian majority Mizoram are closed since March 22 last year due to COVID-19 pandemic. The new guidelines also said any student intending to join his or her hostel must produce a COVID-19 negative certificate obtained within 96 hours before entry into the hostel. Higher institutions for undergraduate and postgraduate students will be allowed to open from February and training or coaching institutes will also open with either 50 per cent sitting capacity or not more than 50 students from now onwards, the order said. The <keyword id="2378610" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="maximum-number">maximum number</keyword> of attendees in funeral and marriage reception has been raised from 35 to 100. The number of attendees in indoor games, cinema hall, auditorium, community hall and social events (indoor) is fixed at 50. However, games and sports practices and social events held outdoors will be allowed with 100 attendees. In any function related to organisation or party, the number of attendees allowed is 100 but deputy commissioners can allow up to 150 attendees by special permission. All business shops, establishments and commercial activities will function normally under strict COVID-19 protocols. Any individual, who is returning from other parts of the country, will have to be placed under <keyword id="58679" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Quarantine">quarantine</keyword> at designated facility but those who produce <keyword id="9043621" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="RT-PCR">RT-PCR</keyword> or TreuNat labs negative test certificate, which is not older than four days, will be exempted from the quarantine protocol. Any state resident, who goes outside and return to the state within four days, need not go for quarantine. However, any person returning from Europe will be placed under quarantine at designated facilities and they will not be allowed for home quarantine facility. Night curfew will remain in force in Aizawl and other district headquarters from 8.30 pm to 4.30 am every day till further orders, it added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-s21-series-launched-in-india-price-specifications-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/80271404.cms">Samsung Galaxy S21 series launched in India – price, specifications, and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/hcl-tech-clocks-in-nearly-27-jump-in-profit-crosses-the-10-billion-revenue-in-third-quarter-of-year-2020-21/articleshow/80278852.cms">HCL Tech clocks in nearly 27% jump in profit, crosses the $10 billion revenue milestone with one more quarter left</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/here-are-the-top-courses-in-fintech-offered-by-indias-premier-colleges/articleshow/80286668.cms">From IIMs to BITS Pilani — here are the top courses in fintech offered by India’s premier colleges</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/article/the-forgotten-little-town-of-bundi-in-rajasthan-is-a-treasure-waiting-to-be-unearthed/articleshow/80301178.cms">The forgotten little town of Bundi in Rajasthan is a treasure waiting to be unearthed</a>

You Searched For "cinema halls to reopen" and got 11 results

Inox Leisure, PVR stocks shine on hopes of theatres reopening soon

Bhakti Makwana

Cinema halls may not open in India until June end

Preeti Soni

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

Sanchita Dash

England allows pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas to reopen

IANS

Lockdown: Cinema hall owners' body urges Bengal govt for aid,

PTI

Kolkata cinema hall owners not optimistic about post-lockdown revival

PTI

Rajasthan to reopen schools for class 6,8 and colleges from February 8

PTI

As it unveils its most luxurious boutique multiplex yet in Mumbai, PVR is confident of a healthy revival with the opening up of theatres in Maharashtra

Samarpita Banerjee

Here is how multiplexes are gearing up for post-lockdown period

Karuna Sharma

Texas coronavirus cases decline as businesses reopen and people resume social lives, but Houston mayor warns, 'The virus is still here'

Rhea Mahbubani

Mizoram to reopen schools for classes 10&12 from January 22

PTI

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