This year started on a good note for theatres with many films beelining for releases. While some managed to enjoy a theatrical run, the second wave of Coronavirus again put an unfortunate pause for others. According to the recent Ormax Cinematix Sentiment Track, Indian audience’s sentiment towards returning to cinemas in the near future continues to get more conservative. So what does it mean for cinemas?

While noting that the hesitation among people to visit any place of public gathering with strangers, and not just theatres, is a genuine concern, Siddharth Anand Kumar, vice president - Films and Events at Saregama India Ltd, adds, “If you go through the study, you’d notice that people who have visited theatres since the 2020 lockdown has risen sharply since December. This clearly shows that whenever there’s a semblance of normality, people won’t hesitate to catch their favourite actors and stories on the big screen.”

Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi feels that this is a reaction to the death and losses amid the pandemic. “That puts a layer of fear on your mind,” he says.

Many industry experts believe that cinema watching is part of our culture, and won’t die easily. “Yes, there’s fear but we will get over this and come back stronger. The 70mm screen effect is different,” says Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 and Maratha Mandir.

Rathi adds, “With cases dipping, cinemas will regain momentum. With people sitting at home, there’s a lot of frustration, and a demand for change of scene. Habits formed over 30- 40 years can’t be changed now. There can be a pause, but not a full stop.”

Kumar, too, is hopeful, especially once a sizeable chunk of population is vaccinated. “Big screen entertainment is here to stay, especially with mass entertainers like Sooryavanshi and ’83 choosing to wait and release in theatres when situation is conducive,” he adds.

Even Rathi says, “We saw earlier this year that when a film like Master came in theatres in the south region, it did unprecedented numbers. One big ticket movie will be compelling enough to get people back to cinemas.”

Hollywood film A Quiet Place Part II, which released on May 28, has generated approximately $222.6 million revenue to date. And many in India feel it is a stamp on the fact that the big screen magic can never go away. “In many countries where the disease is under control and vaccination, the audience has returned to outdoor habits,” shares Shibasish Sarkar, Group CEO of Reliance Entertainment.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh concludes that the charm of the big screen will be revived in the coming months: “Look at Australia and US box office. It’s being revived everywhere.”