Multiplex Association writes to Uddhav Thackeray urging to keep cinemas open

Citing reports that claim the possibility of a statewide lockdown in Maharashtra from April first week the Multiplex Association of India has written to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray urging him to keep cinemas open even if a lockdown is implemented across the stateThe letter signed by Multiplex Association of India President Kamal Gianchandani talks about the losses incurred by the film exhibition industry ever since the nationwide lockdown last year and requests the chief minister to allow the cinemas shopping centres malls to continue operating during the lockdown if it is implementedThe letter mentions We write to you with reference to a recent news in circulation across multiple media platforms citing possibility of second lockdown in the state of Maharashtra from 2nd3rd April 2021 for a limited period The news also mentions that the shutdown is expected to be different from last years as it would not hamper economic activities like before but essentially focus on preventing crowding for arresting the increasing transmission of CovidWhile we appreciate the efforts by the authorities to control the spread of Covid and are ready to support the Government and the District Administration to overcome challenges posed by the pandemic we believe that the lockdowns if implemented are going to negatively impact the cinema retail and shopping industryTalking about the cinema exhibition industry experiencing a possible bankruptcy the letter further reads Sir the cinema closure ordered by the Maharashtra Government on 13 March 2020 followed by closures in other states across the country have already brought the industry to an unprecedented situation With Zero revenues in 8 months 13 March 2020 till 9 November 2020 and thereafter meagre revenues in the last 5 months 9 November 2020 till 31 March 2021 the cinema exhibition industry is now facing possible bankruptciesGiven the dire economic and financial impact of the epidemic on our sector we would sincerely urge the Maharashtra Government to allow the Cinemas Shopping Centres Malls to continue operating as per regular functioning and let the customers experience a controlled and safe moviegoing and shopping experience We also urge you to allow cinemas amp malls to operate as per regular operational hours This will also ensure that footfalls are dispersed and operations run smoothlyAs always assigning topmost priority to the health and wellbeing of the moviegoers and our employees we have implemented a safety and precaution plan with the most stringent SOPs to ensure a safe secure and a hygienic cinema viewing experience for the movie lovers of our stateAs an important part of the Media amp Entertainment Sector the cinema industry has contributed towards the State Exchequer even during times of economic slowdown The industry also generates a huge number of employment opportunities and would continue to do so in the future across all parts of the State of MaharashtraIn view of the above we would like to request Government to favorably consider the following to not issue a second lockdown order wrt Cinemas multiplexes shopping centers malls issue necessary orders to allow Cinemas multiplexes shopping centers malls to operate as per regular operational hoursThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever