Will Hyderabadis go to cinema halls?
As cinemas, theatres and multiplexes are set to open, it remains to be seen whether people will be willing to go
“Swimming pools used for training of sportspersons, cinemas, theatres, multiplexes with up to 50 per cent seating capacity, entertainment parks and similar places, and business to business exhibitions will be permitted to open from October 15 in areas outside Containment Zones,” according to the guidelines by the Government of India.
It’s a welcome move for the cinema industry which has suffered losses due to the pandemic. But it remains to be seen whether people will take the risk of contracting the virus for the giant screen experience. However, cinema halls are promising a safe experience — staff with PPE kits, frequent sanitising and making sure people maintain gaps between groups while being seated.
“As an ardent movie buff who used to watch atleast 4-5 movies a month in cinemas and multiplexes, I definitely miss the big screen experience,” shares Bharath Kumar, Sr SPS Associate at Amazon.
“I have been hooked to Netflix since the pandemic. As OTT platforms are the new way to watch new releases, many just like me have confined their outgoing movie lifestyle to the easier ways of watching movies at home on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar. However, I would like to go to the theatre a few days after the unlock by following the simple rules of wearing a mask and social distancing at all times,” he adds.
“I do miss the whole theatre experience. I’m someone who watches classics like John Wick, Avengers or Justice league. No matter how big a setup you have at home, it just cannot match the theatre feel. I personally feel that Netflix is meant for binge watching a series. If theatres do open with proper safety measures like 2-seat distance between people and sanitization post every show, then I would definitely go but would carry my friendly buddy — The Mask,” says well-known model and Mr India 2017 Akshay Neelakantam.
However, some like Sai Teja, a health coach from the city, feel that theatres and other public places shouldn’t open until a vaccine is invented. “I don’t think anyone would risk their elders to the danger of Covid just for entertainment,” he shares.
Young mother Sowmya Sri who has a 2-year-old daughter, also says she would prefer to watch movies online. “Why can’t we try a mini theater setup at home with family members and make it fun! I have started to adapt to this new normal and mostly avoid going out,” she says and adds that “patience is power”.
Yashwanth Podugu, HR at Stride Incorporation is excited about going to the theater after 8 months. “I will avoid using public restrooms, avoid crowded places and wear masks and use sanitizer. Precautions first, entertainment next,” he concludes.
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