C’garh Govt Yet To Take Call On Reopening Of Cinema Halls

He said movie exhibitors have made all preparations to comply with the safety protocols and other precautions as per the Central guidelines for screening of films, but the permission from the state government is still awaited. Tiwari, who runs a cinema theatre in Raipur, also said that it will take around a month to restore normal functioning even if cinema halls are allowed to resume operations now, as no new films are scheduled to be released.

Dhamtari-based Shantilal Lunkad, CCCA’s in-charge for Chhattisgarh, has sought relaxation from the government in terms of electricity bills and property tax for cinema hall operators. “There are approximately 140 screens, including single screen and multiplexes, in the state which employ about 4,500 workers. The lockdown has resulted in permanent closure of two famous single screen theatres in Bhilai and Rajnandagon, and many others are mulling to close their facility,” Lunkad said.

The state government should soon clarify when it is going to give permission in this regard, he added.