It’s been quite a time that we went out for a movie with our friends. We used our small screens as an alternative to get rid of boredom but never experienced the same excitement that we used to get in theatres in the pre-lockdown period.
Fortunately, the wait is finally over. As per the guidelines of Unlock 5.0, starting from 15th October, cinema halls, theatres, and multiplexes across various states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana have been reopened with 50 per cent capacity.
However, theatres falling under containment zones will remain shut for the time being. Along with the 50 per cent seating capacity, a minimum of six feet distance between two individuals in the common area and the waiting area has been made mandatory.
As per further guidelines, only asymptomatic individuals will be allowed to enter and thermal screening will be done to make sure that the person is not having any symptoms. Cinemas and multiplexes have been ordered to set the temperature of the air conditioner in between 24-30 degrees celsius and ensure that there is cross-ventilation in the theatre.
Masks are a mandatory prerequisite and the theatres will also make sure that they introduce security checks for the same. The theatre won’t offer paper tickets but will completely rely on e-tickets and an all-in-one SMS with links to QR code, access to the F&B menu, and seat chart.
Moreover, the screens will be cleaned by the staff after every show. The cinema halls have to comply with the set of Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What are they going to show?
But wait, all the films have already been released on OTT platforms! A new trailer has also not launched lately, except for Laxmmi Bomb, which is also releasing on Disney Hotstar Plus. So, what are they planning to show the audience?
The answer is “re-release”. Since there are no new releases and the entertainment industry direly needed a thrust of revenue, they have decided to re-release a number of movies in the coming days.
Vivek Oberoi-starrer Narendra Modi has become the first film to hit the theatres and has already been released on 15th October with the proper social distancing norms and sanitization. The film was initially released on May 24 last year and collected 2.88 crores on the opening day.
The following movies will also be re-released in the coming days:
- 2018 release, Kedarnath starring Late Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan
- 2020 release, Tanhaji starring Ajay Devgn, Kajol, and Saif Ali Khan
- 2020 release, Shubh Mangal Jyada Savdhan starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar
- 2020 release, Thappad starring Taapsee Pannu
- 2020 release, Malang starring Disha Patani, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Anil Kapoor
- 2019 release, War starring Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, and Vaani Kapoor
The release dates of these films have not been revealed yet.
Also Read: FlippED: Big Bollywood Films Releasing On OTT; Who Wins Who Loses In The Game, We Argue
However, the big films which were released in lockdown on the OTT platforms such as Gulabo Sitabo, Shakuntala Devi, Dil Bechara, and many others are not going to get a theatrical release, as reported by Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
Films like Khaali Peeli starring Ishaan Khattar and Ananya Pandey, Ka Pae Ranasingam starring Aishwariya Rajesh and Vijay Sethupathi, and My Spy starring Chloe Coleman, Dave Bautista, and others are releasing on 16th October.
New releases also in line
The old releases will surely make people welcome the half-populated theatres as a new normal and many will get back to their old custom of watching the first-day first show. Gradually, the entertainment industry will have new big-budget releases in the line.
These films will include 83, the much-awaited biopic of former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev starring Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, and Katrina Kaif starrer Sooryavanshi, and Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan starrer Coolie No 1.
Hollywood films like Tenet, No Time To Die, Death On A Nile will also get a new release in India.
The success of this new plan totally depends on us. A large proportion is still terrified by the pandemic and doesn’t want to take even the slightest risk.
However many of us had been waiting for this moment only and plans have even been made with the declaration of Unlock 5.0 and opening of cinema halls. Tell us about your opinion in the comments section!
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Indian Express, Business Today, NDTV
Find the blogger: @dikks09
This post is tagged under: films getting re-release, theatres reopening, cinema halls and multiplexes reopening, biopic, PM Narendra Modi, Vivek Oberoi, unlock 5.0, Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Sooryavanshi, Coolie No.1, Kapil Dev, 83, Ranveer Singh, PVR, INOX, Carnival, Gulabo Sitabo, Dil Bechara, Sushant Singh Rajput, Shakuntala Devi, Gunjan Saxena, Khuda Hafiz, Sadak 2, Tanhaji, Shubh Mangal Jyada Savdhan, Kedarnath, Thappad, War, Malang, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tappsee Pannu, Hrithik Roshan, Laxmmi Bomb, 50 percent capacity
Other Recommendations:
Unlock 1.0 Shows Improvement In Economy, Unemployment Rate Decreases In India
Though the theatres are opening- it wouldn’t carry the same charm as before. I guess it will take time for the theatres and the audiences to be back on track. Thank you for an informative blog post on the internet.