PATNA:
Cinema halls and multiplexes in the city may have started operating at a higher seating capacity, but they are still witnessing poor footfalls.
Talking to this reporter, the manager of a multiplex near Gandhi Maidan, Sharad Gupta, claimed, “We are taking all necessary precautions that include use of face masks and hand sanitizers. We also have provision for online booking of tickets to promote social distancing. However, the footfall is pretty low.”
The manager of another multiplex in
Patliputra,
Dilip Kumar, echoed similar views. He said, “Although we are sanitizing our premises at regular intervals and adhering to all safety norms, the response from viewers has been poor.”
The proprietor of a Hajipur-based multiplex, Vishal Boobna, attributed the low footfalls to fewer films being displayed in theatres. “Since only a few new films have been released, people are not going to the theatres.”
Meanwhile, many movie buffs have decided to revisit cinema halls soon. 18-year-old Sanya Shekhar said, “I miss watching movies in theatres, but I will soon visit a hall with my friends.”
Another student, Prachi Shrivastava, told this newspaper, “Covid has not vanished and it is our responsibility to prevent its spread. That said, I still want to go to a theatre to watch a film with my family.”
A private firm employee,
Prakash Kumar, misses “the ambience of cinema halls”.