For the past four months, theatres in the nation are shut due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As the film industry is opening gradually, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has requested the Government of Maharashtra to reopen theatres in the third phase of unlocking. Now, as theatre owners are hopeful that the Government will permit the reopening of theatres in the month of August, the MAI along with its members submitted a set of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Reportedly, the SOPs were submitted to various Central ministries as well as Prime Minister’s Office and Niti Aayog.

According to reports, the SOPs include paperless tickets, seat distancing, staggered intervals and scrupulous sanitising. Apart from this, algorithms for automatic seat distancing, regular cleaning and disinfecting of the cinemas, lobby area and touchpoints like railings and doors as well as basics like temperature scans form an important part of the guideline.

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Talking about the reopening of theatres, PVR Pictures CEO Kamal Gianchandani told a media agency, "If you go back to the Unlock 1 notification that came from the government, it has clearly mentioned that cinemas would open in Unlock 3, which is likely to happen in August. So, in that context, we are very hopeful and keeping our fingers crossed."

(Source: PTI)