Let the Show Begin!Two Multiplexes in City Welcomed Movie Buffs with Covid-19 Guidelines
Mangaluru : Both the Union and State governments have permitted cinemas to resume operations from October 15 onwards, with 50% seating capacity. As of now Only TWO Multiplexes/Big Cinema Theatres, namely the Cinepolis inside City Centre Mall on K S Rao Road, and Big Cinemas inside Bharath Mall, Bejai in Mangaluru, which opened on 15 October after closed for nearly seven months due to lockdown/Pandemic. At present both these two multiplexes are showing movies which suddenly got suspended after lockdown clicked in in March 2020. Other movie houses in the City namely- Roopavani, Suchitra, Jyothi, Ramakanthi, Prabhath, and Nataraj theatre Surathkal are all ready to open, but the opening dates are yet to be decided. Also PVR cinemas inside Forum Fiza Mall in Pandeshwar will start screening movies in the near future. 
Even though Big Cinemas and Cinepolis started to operate on 15 October, but had a low turnout of movie buffs, one reason being people are still scared to be inside a theatre due to Coronavirus. Another reason according to a cinema theatre manager was that, when the movie-goers found out on Thursday, that the Cinema theatre was screening those movies left behind when the theatres were closed due to lockdown, were reluctant to watch the movies, since they might have watched them on videos or on TV channels. But many movie buffs out of curiosity and to check what was happening, had visited the Cinema houses, just for fun of it. The low turnout was also due to the closure of education institutions, where hardly any students are seen around. But the management of the multiplexes are hoping for better days, once colleges open and life becomes normal from the fear of the deadly virus.
Old Movie Projectors used at Big Cinemas when film reels were used, prior to Digital Era!
The two multiplexes in the City as of now had no stone unturned to tempt movie buffs back to the big screen. Some of the elaborate arrangements include distributing PPE kits and disposable 3D glasses, at movie buffs cost, if they prefer. While the choice of protective gear has raised eyebrows with many arguing that PPE kits should be reserved for doctors, nurses and those at the frontline fighting COVID-19, citizens themselves are unsure of whether they would like to watch a film masked and gowned- and it will too warm to watch a movie clad in PPE. The multiplexes have taken all safety measures and other required arrangements to attract audiences. Online booking is on, and the management have taken care to see that Social Distancing is strictly followed-even the seats have been rearranged.
Big Cinemas Operation Manager Avil D’cruz speaking to Team Mangalorean said, ” We have made all the necessary arrangements as per Government Covid-19 guidelines. At the entrance of the Cinema hall, we have installed self sanitizing and temperature check equipment. Sanitizers are also kept at various spots, and we have marked the floor for social distancing while walking, and also near the food counter. We are following the ticket-less method, where after the customer pays for the ticket either by cash or card, a ticket number will be sent to their mobile phone. All our staff have been advised to strictly follow the Covid-19 rules, by wearing masks, gloves and face shields. We have also marked the seats inside the theatre where people are not supposed to sit, in order to maintain social distancing”.
“Right now we are screening movies at our smaller theatres, like the 239 seating capacity, where only 119 persons will be allowed; in the 99 seating theatre, only 45 will be allowed, and in the 70 seating theatre, only 35 are allowed. The other two big theatres , like the 443 seating where only 220 persons will be allowed, and the 281 seating,, where only 140 persons will be allowed- these two theatres will function only when new movie releases are screened- as of now these two theatres are non-operational. At present no movies are shown simultaneously at the three small theatres, and the timing is scheduled with one hour gap between the shows. There will be 20- 30 minutes of interval during the show. The present show timings are at 11 am, 12 pm, 1.30 pm, 3 pm, 4, 5,, 6, 7 and 8 pm-there will be no last show, which usually is at 10 pm. Snacks like Popcorn, Nachos, chips etc and even soft drinks will be packed/wrapped, while serving the customers” added D’cruz.
Avil further said, “PPE kits will be made available at counters for customers, on request and they have to bear the cost. The movie-goers have to pay for the sanitizer, face mask, gloves if they buy from us (Rs 150 for the kit) or they can come with their own kit. Wearing of PPE kits is optional. We have also put in place amenities to ensure that the kits are safely disposed of once used. Other measures put in place include sanitising of seats after every show and daily mandatory health screening for all employees who will be in protective gear. To avoid crowding, staggered and different entry and exits, extended interval time, QR code and mobile-based food ordering system, dedicated food ordering and pick-up counters, contact less payment system and encouraged online bookings have been put in place. All the precautionary measures, according to government guidelines, are in place. We are trying our best to provide a safe movie watching experience,” .
In the meantime, sources reveal that Single screen theatre owners have to spend a lot on maintenance and renovation to meet coronavirus conditions. They also have to meet heavy expenses on salary, electricity and other heads every month. If the shows are to be closed again because of coronavirus concerns, they will be at a loss. Therefore, several single screen owners have not taken a decision on reopening. When Team Mangalorean asked a theatre manager, how was the response from the movie buffs on the first day, he said there were only seven persons for the 11 am show and 14 persons for the 3 pm show in the 99 seating and 70 seating halls respectively. OMG- Kya Hua…movie theatres Ka situation in this pandemic!
Seems like the management of these multiplexes with all the elaborate arrangements to combat the pandemic, they are expecting business to pick up by Dasara and Deepavali, after which they will have Christmas and New Year. They are hoping that by that time, COVID-19 subsides. The government has also asked cinema halls to maintain humidity ranging from 40-70% with temperature setting of all the air conditioning devices from 24-30 degrees Celsius. Re-circulation of air must be avoided to the extent possible and cross ventilation should be adequate, as per the order. The government order also states that only packaged food and beverages should be allowed inside the cinema hall. To avoid crowding at the ticket counters, it has asked that the ticket counters be opened throughout the day, though online transactions should be the most preferred mode. Providing phone numbers while buying or booking tickets has been made mandatory. Have a happy time at the movies!