#Rewind2020: Cinema hall crisis deepens with lack of big-ticket release and corona scare

With no big-ticket releases and audience hardly turning up, theatre owners in the city had been struggling with a series of challenges ever since the cinema halls reopened in October. The low year-end release count has also left hall owners in a state of fear while the alternate seating arrangement is taking a toll on hall visits. So, what could possibly make the Bengali audience watch movies again on the big screen? Will things change in 2021? Although, the Christmas release of 'Cheeni' has seen a decent response from the cine goers.


It is very difficult to read the public's mind as to why they are not going to theatres. I feel people are still scared of getting infected by coronavirus. Also, they don’t have the mindset to think of luxury right now. They are more concerned about hygiene. But I can assure the audience that theatre owners are taking all the necessary steps to maintain hygiene inside the halls.


I think people are scared to visit the cinema halls right now and thus, our industry is suffering. I see no ray of hope till a vaccine is out. We have to give our audiences some time and can only appeal to them to return to theatres. I hope we all get over this phase soon.


It is understood that we didn't have any big-ticket releases during Durga Puja, but still, the footfall was shocking. People have started going to pubs and restaurants. Then why are they not watching films in a theatre I wonder. Our industry needs support more than ever now. What we need is a big-ticket release and see how it goes.

I keep seeing people visiting malls, restaurants, having house parties and even eating at fast food joints. But when it comes to watching a film in cinema halls, they are hesitant. I fail to understand if that is due to the recent OTT craze or people are just being fussy about entering a closed space. Maybe the audience is waiting for a spectacular big release to watch in theatres.
Meanwhile, many cinema hall owners feel the SOP not allowing viewers even from the same family to sit together at cinemas is a major roadblock in resurrecting the hall business.
“It is the main takeaway for cinema-going viewers. Now, when people can watch films in theatres, they are being asked to sit separately. If the alternate seating arrangement was not in place, we would have had more viewers. That would have encouraged producers to release their movies,” feels Navin Choukhani, owner of Navina Cinema.