EIMPA writes to Bengal CM for 100% occupancy in cinemas, what's the road ahead for hall owners

The Tamil Nadu government has already allowed cinemas, theatres and multiplexes to return to 100% seating capacity from the previous 50% norm. Speculation was rife that Tollywood will also go for a similar move in Bengal as the Covid-19 cases are going down here. The stakeholders in Bengal believe this is one of the ways to revive the dying exhibition industry.Now, the Eastern India Motions Pictures Association (EIMPA) has sent a letter to chief minister Mamata Banerjee to give permissions to cinema halls to operate with 100% occupancy. In the letter, EIMPA secretary Piya Sengupta has mentioned the latest notification from the Tamil Nadu government allowing the same. “It’s quite unfortunate to see the family members dining together at restaurants but they aren’t allowed to sit together in cinema halls. This occupancy restriction has forced many good movies to postpone its release. That’s a key reason why viewers are going to the theatres. This has harmed the fate of at least one lakh people directly or indirectly associated with the film industry in Bengal,” said Sengupta. Every year the festive season kicks off with Christmas and continues till the first week of January. This is on average a two-week time frame generating the bulk of the business. There have been instances in the previous years which showed some movies doing better business during this time than the Pujas. However, Covid-19, just like it did to every other industry, has changed the scenario completely. This year box-office collections in cinemas throughout Kolkata have been shockingly low. Now, the hall owners want the seating capacity to be increased to 100%. They also fear the audience will not visit halls unless there’s any big-ticket release. While Bengal film body wants to follow Tamil Nadu, interestingly, despite government nod theatres still remain shut in Kerala. The Kerala Film Chamber and Commerce (KFCC), an apex body of the associations of producers, distributors, and exhibitors, are likely to take a final decision on reopening of the cinemas after its emergency meeting in Kochi today.Meanwhile, like his industry colleagues and friends, filmmaker Subhrajit Mitra who is eagerly waiting to release his much-anticipated film ‘Avijatrik’ in theatres feels the entertainment industry needs the audience’s support more than ever now. “It is understood that we didn't have any big-ticket releases during Durga Puja, but still the footfall was shocking. People have started going to pubs and restaurants. Then why are they not watching films in a theatre I wonder. Our industry needs support more than ever now. What we need is a big-ticket release and see how it goes,” an optimistic Subhrajit shares with ETimes.Mimi Chakraborty believes cinema halls will run with renewed vigor. "Watching a film on a big canvas has its own charm. Since change is the only constant, dire times like these shall pass too, and with that, cinemas will run with renewed vigor. Till then, have faith and hold on!” said Mimi while speaking to ETimes.With mainstream stars turning their focus on OTT releases, especially in Bollywood, during the pandemic-induced crisis, cinema halls have been suffering massive losses since last year. What would actually bring the audiences back to the theatres in the pandemic world? What can be the biggest crowd-puller – content or the presence of big stars? Filmmaker Birsa Dasgupta raises the same question when we asked him what he thinks. “Are we giving any good content to our audience? I have my doubts. Also the habit of watching good content on OTT platforms, developed during the lockdown, could be a reason. Now, we need some brilliant content to bring the audience back to theatres,” an optimistic Birsa told ETimes.However, all is not lost. Mainak Bhowmik directed 'Cheeni' attracted quite a few cine lovers to watch it in theatres. The family drama starring Aparajita Adhya, Madhumita Sarcar and Sourav Das in the lead have received appreciation from both critics and audience alike.