Cinema halls and multiplexes across Bihar plans to increase the sitting capacity from February 1.
Cinema halls and multiplexes across Bihar plans to increase the sitting capacity from February 1.
Cinema hall owners and movie buffs have hailed the decision of the ministry of home affairs (MHA) to allow theatres and multiplexes to operate at a higher seating capacity from February 1.
The manager of a multiplex in Phulwarisharif, Manoj Kumar, says the much-awaited step will give a boost to business. “Due to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only a few films were being released on the big screen and the footfall of viewers was staggeringly low,” he adds.
Sharad Gupta, the manager of a theatre near Gandhi Maidan, points out, “Since no big-budget, multi-starrer film has been released for the last 10 months, we have nothing to display.”
Unit head of a theatre on Patliputra Kurji Road, Navneet Kumar, is looking forward to “more occupied cinema halls”.
According to the MHA order issued on Wednesday, the ministry of information and broadcasting will issue a revised standard operating procedure (SOP) soon.
Cinephiles are also excited to visit theatres again. Rupesh Shrivastav, a resident of Kankarbagh, says, “Before COVID hit the world, I would go to cinema halls every Sunday for watching the latest films.”
Apart from cinema halls, swimming pools, where only sportspersons are allowed at present, will be opened to all.
Hailing the decision, Rahul Singh, an engineer, says, “My family and I will finally be able to use our swimming membership at a club.”
BD Singh, the general manager of a five-star hotel with a swimming pool, however, points out, “We will provide our pool services from April onwards.”
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