The Delhi government’s order on Tuesday shutting down cinema theatres and multiplexes, in view of the sharp rise in omicron cases in the city, has come as a big jolt to the industry that was just getting back on its feet. An exhibitor says, “We have seen packed theatres this month for films like Spider-Man: No Way Home. The last week of the year is when people prefer going out and watching films. This will be a huge revenue loss for cinemas. ”

Theatres in the rest of the country, including other parts of NCR and Mumbai, remain open for now. However, with Coronavirus cases rising across the country, exhibitors fear more cities will soon introduce restrictions and lockdown measures.

Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres, and an industry expert, says, “This is the holiday season, when kids are on winter break, and business is robust across the sectors, including cinemas. It’s unfortunate that a sector is being closed at this specific time of the year, especially taking into account the scenario in the last one-and-a-half years when cinemas were closed for months. Be it Delhi, or other state governments who are contemplating lockdown, authorities need to find a more pragmatic approach. For example, only allowing double vaccinated audiences to enter cinemas, and other such measures.”

Girish Johar, a producer and film business expert, asks, “Why only cinemas? Cinemas are not being treated as a business. After Sooryavanshi opened big, people were coming back to the cinema. We have seen how Spider-Man: No Way Home changed everything and is now clocking around 200 crores at the Indian box office, which is a big deal. So, what now? Thoda gire, thoda uthe, phir se ye chot. We really hope Delhi gives some relaxation to cinemas.”

Rajendra Singh Jyala, Chief Programming Officer, INOX Pvt Ltd, adds, “Whether it was Spider-Man or '83, theatres had good occupancy, and moviegoers came out to watch these films because they found cinemas to be safe. We’ve worked so hard to gain this confidence. This year-end week is one of the busiest weekends for cinemas. In fact, even on Monday-Tuesday, we had over 50% occupancy in cinemas across NCR, which is a good number for weekday occupancy. We had almost 100% occupancy last weekend. While a few moviegoers may go to watch films in Noida and Gurgaon as Delhi cinemas are closed, this shutdown will adversely affect not just the business of films which are currently running, but upcoming releases, too.”

The Multiplex Association of India has urged the Delhi government to consider introducing a double vaccination requirement to enter cinemas, instead of a complete shutdown. Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India, said in a statement, “The Delhi Government’s decision to shut down cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the ‘yellow’ alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian film industry. After being allowed to reopen, cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems, hygiene, and other safety protocols. Not a single outbreak of COVID-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinema. While we fully understand the need at the government’s end to take necessary preventive measures, we’d request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions.”

“Instead of closing the cinemas, we’d urge the Delhi government to consider introducing a double vaccination requirement to enter cinemas, as is the case in some of the other states (including Maharashtra). Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas. We call on the government to recognise the unique social, cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry, and to provide the support it so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period,” the statement added.

Producer and film business expert Girish Johar says that the closure of cinemas in Delhi can have a ripple effect. “The reason is that Delhi is one of the top two cities from the revenue point of view of Bollywood films. I don’t think that producers will release films when they are on tenterhooks.” 

Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres, and an industry expert, says, “The biggest territory for Bollywood films is Maharashtra, which is already operating at 50% capacity. Now, with the second biggest market – Delhi – shutting down, it is too much of a compromise revenue-wise for producers to continue releasing films, especially films which do well in Hindi-speaking markets. For a film like Valimai, there may not be that big of an impact because its main market is Tamil Nadu, but for an RRR or Prithviraj, it is a very tricky situation.”

Makers of Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jersey, have already postponed its release while upcoming films like Prithviraj and John Abraham’s Attack may also be impacted.