I&B Ministry says theatres should be allowed to reopen in August

MUMBAI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has recommended to the Union Home Ministry that cinema halls all over the country be allowed to reopen in August.

I&B Secretary Amit Khare indicated this at a close-door industry interaction with the CII Media Committee on Friday. He said that Ajay Bhalla from the Home Ministry will take the final call.

Khare said that he has recommended that cinema halls may be allowed to reopen all over India as early as August 1 or at the latest, around August 31.

The formula suggested is that alternate seats in the first row and then the next row be kept vacant and to proceed in this fashion throughout.

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Khare said that his ministry's recommendation takes into consideration the two-metre social distancing norm, but tweaks it gently to two yards instead. The Home Ministry, however, still has to revert on the recommendation.

Cinema owners, present in the interaction, however, said this formula is unwise and running films at 25 percent auditorium capacity is worse than keeping cinemas shut.

The attendees at the meet included media CEOs of several TV channels, OTT platform and more along with the Chairman, CII Media Committee.

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Credits: TOI