Unlock 5.0 Guidelines in India for Cinemas: Multiplexes Await State Nods to Reopen

Hello friends,

With the easing of lockdown restrictions, the Indian cinema industry is on the cusp of a much-anticipated return. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued guidelines under Unlock 5.0 to allow cinema halls to reopen from October 15th, but with certain restrictions to ensure safety. Multiplex operators, including PVR, Inox, Cinepolis, and Mukta A2 Cinemas, are preparing to welcome back audiences, albeit with revised seating capacities and enhanced safety measures.

Multiplex Operators and State Clearance

Despite the central government's guidelines, multiplexes are still awaiting final clearance from state governments to resume operations. The SOPs issued by the central government allow cinemas to operate at up to 50% of their seating capacity. This means that leading multiplex operator PVR, which operates 875 screens across 22 states, will only be able to open 496 screens as of October 15th. According to CEO Gautam Dutta, PVR has received permission from 14 state governments, leaving it without a green light from Maharashtra, where it operates the most screens.

Multiplex chains like Inox and Mukta A2 Cinemas are also preparing to reopen. INOX Leisure CEO Alok Tandon has assured that all multiplexes will strictly follow the SOPs issued by the government. Similarly, Subhash Ghai, CEO of Mukta Arts, has mentioned that the company will be able to open approximately 40% of its screens, subject to state government clearance.

Enhanced Safety Measures and New Norms

To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for moviegoers, multiplex operators have adopted several measures beyond standard operating procedures. Leading cinemas like PVR will use a matrix seating method, ensuring an empty seat between patrons and allowing families and groups to sit together. Additionally, theaters will provide mask kits, hand sanitizers, and contactless services such as QR code-based e-tickets and digital ordering of food and beverages.

Inox Leisure has taken things a step further, offering PPE kits for purchase, including masks, gloves, and sanitizers. They will also provide a web link to their viewers via SMS to access the food and beverage menu and place orders online. This ensures a seamless and safer experience for customers.

Past Lockdown and Current Statistics

Before the lockdown even began, several states had already started closing cinema halls between March 11th and 16th, 2020, with an extendable closure date until March 31st. After the central government imposed a complete lockdown from March 25th, many cinema halls remained closed to prevent the spread of the virus. According to estimates, India has approximately 8,750 screens, with around 3,100 multiplex screens and 5,650 single screens, predominantly operating in smaller tier II and III cities.

This situation has significantly impacted the Indian film industry, affecting revenue and employment. The reopening of multiplexes is thus crucial for restoring the sector's health and allowing the movie industry to recover from the financial losses it has endured.

Conclusion

With the introduction of Unlock 5.0, the Indian cinema industry is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. While multiplexes are gearing up to welcome audiences back, they are doing so with strict adherence to new safety measures. The focus on digital transformation and social distancing norms aims to ensure a safe return to the magic of cinema, while also adapting to the 'new normal.'