There are reports that the Central Government is likely to allow Cinema Theaters to open from August 1st as part of Phase Three of Unlock. The Government is likely to allow them only to sell 25% of the total ticket to ensure social-distancing.
However, Single screen theaters are unlikely to open as the 25% Capacity proposal as economically unviable, Moreover, they have No ‘Stock’ value to protect or Overpriced Canteens to make up for the drop in movie tickets. Meanwhile, Suresh Babu who owns around 400 Single Screen theaters in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana already confirmed that his theaters will not open even though the Government allows.
Only a few big Multiplexes are expected to open but they will have to run the old content as the filmmakers will be reluctant to release their films. In the long run, even that may become untenable and Multiplexes are likely to close down as well. Trade analysts see no future for cinemas in 2020.
The best-case scenario will be to pray to God to restore normalcy by Sankranthi and open the theaters for the festive season.
