Gujarat’s theatres will open on Sunday, with proprietors hoping for evening performances

Cinema halls in Gujarat will reopen on Sunday, but theatre owners are hesitant to reopen. Those who operate cinema halls on lease are hesitant, according to Prakash Solanki, who owns a multiplex in Valsad, because once the theatres open, they would have to start paying their rent. “Those who must pay rent to the property owners may not reopen until the new line-up of content is released; there is no point in airing old content,” he stated. I won’t be able to perform ‘Radhe’ in all three of my theatres.”

Solanki continued, “We won’t be able to shut down again if the third wave arrives or for any other reason. We cannot, under any circumstances, lose the month of August due to constraints.”

Gujarat’s exhibitors have also asked Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to allow night shows, which often draw the largest crowds to theatres. “Our proposal is with the Chief Minister,” said exhibitor Vandan Shah, who had attended the meeting with Rupani. “However, there is a night curfew in Gujarat, and we have been told that it may not be possible for the time being.”

Because the theatres have been urged to open with 50% occupancy, Solanki proposes that those who come to see the night show be permitted to return home. “Day shows may not draw people because universities are closed, and students frequently come to movies for matinée and afternoon shows, so it will be difficult,” he adds.

On Friday, the theatre owners will meet to decide on a course of action and the reopening of cinemas with appropriate content to attract audiences. “We will decide on the content that will be played,” Shah added, “and I believe it will be difficult for us to begin operations on Sunday.” However, we are pleased that the Gujarat government has allowed cinema halls to reopen, allowing us to manage the flow of Gujarati films in our theatres. We’re also hoping that once the curfew is lifted, we’ll be able to start doing night shows as well.”

Gujarat is also one of the first states to help cinema owners by exempting single-screen cinemas and multiplexes from property tax and fixed electricity charges from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The owners of Maharashtra cinemas have met with state ministers multiple times and are hoping for similar tax reduction from the state government soon.

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