Indian cinema halls to stay closed in September
Indian Cinema halls and several films were bracing for a theater release this September.
India has seen a rapid increase in its coronavirus cases. And as the lockdown stretches far into September, the economic pressure has increased in the country, initiating the unlock 4.0 phase.
This phase would see the gradual opening of the economy. However, even this phase won't see Indian cinema halls reopening.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines for Unlock 4.0 on Saturday with more relaxations and opening up of more activities in areas outside the containment zones. Yet, cinema halls have been left out in this list.
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And it's not just theaters. Educational institutions won't be opening up as well. In the entertainment industry, we'd only see open-air theaters in action.
Multiplex chains have expressed disappointment over the decision, as they've incurred massive losses amidst the pandemic. And it looks like the downward chart for them will continue through September.
Cinema halls and several films were bracing for a theater release this September. But as it stands now it seems the OTT platform will sweep in for the benefits.
