The Multiplex Association of India has appealed to the Maharashtra government to grant cinemas in the state permission to reopen. It has drawn the attention of the government to the fact that cinemas in most other states have reopened. It has also underlined that malls, airlines, railways, retail businesses, restaurants, gymnasiums and many such businesses and services have already restarted as part of ‘Unlock Maharashtra’. In fact, parks and beaches in the state have also been allowed to reopen.
The MAI has pointed out that cinemas have controlled entry and exits, have only paying patrons enter, and there is ample waiting area in the cinemas, all of which reduce the risk of spread of the Coronavirus. What’s more, film show timings are staggered, reducing the risk of crowds. The MAI has stated that the Maharashtra cinema industry is incurring a monthly loss of Rs. 400 crore due to the closure, and had already lost Rs. 4,800 crore during the various lockdowns in the last 17 months, so far.
