The film industry is facing huge losses because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Theatres are shut down and no stream of revenue is flowing for them. As the country prepares to reopen under the ‘Unlock-1’ phase, uncertainty regarding opening of theatres still exists. On Tuesday, Information and Broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar informed that theatres will open up after monitoring the virus’s situation in June.
Javadekar shared this information via video conferencing with the Association of Film Producers, Cinema Exhibitioners and Film Industry representatives. These parties had also reported to the minister demands of the industry and problems faced because of Coronavirus. The minister assured to help the industry.
While informing them about their decision to open theatres only after monitoring the situation in June, he also praised India for having 9500 screens generating Rs 30 crores daily through theatres alone.
Reeling from the effects of COVID-19, the industry’s demands includes salary subsidy, interest free loans and tax exemptions among others. Meanwhile, the government will issue standard operating procedures to start production work.
The government had ordered reopening of malls, restaurants, hotels, religious places and hospitality services from June 8. Cinema halls, gyms, entertainment parks, swimming pools will remain shut till further notice.