Time to raise the curtains has finally received green signal from the government. As per the Minsitry of Information and Broadcasting, the cinema halls and multiplexes can begin with the shows from 15th October. 

After a period of 7 months, the movie theatres will get to witness public and the long wait for the industry to get back among general public will be over. SOP has been issued for the reopening of movie theatres. 

The theaters will open with a 50 percent seating capacity. All cinema halls and multiplexes will abide by the SOP strictly. Packaged food and beverages will be allowed in the halls. 

The SOP hereby states:

• Every alternate seat will be kept vacant and marked clearly. Masks have to be worn by everyone.
• The AC temperature setting must be maintained between 24-30 degrees Celsius. 
• Proper ventilation is required in the cinema halls. 
• A 1-minute film on corona will have to screened before the show, before the interval and after the show. 
• Every person will have to provide his phone number so as to aid contact tracing in case of need. 
• Cinema halls will have staggered show timings to prevent huge gatherings. All theatres to be regularly sanitised. Announcements to be made constantly regarding wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands. 
• The audience can buy packaged food from the stalls inside and carry them on their own inside the halls. NO DELIVERY will be done inside the halls. 
• Longer intervals will be given so that people can maintain queues and physical distancing as well. 

While Box office counters will remain open, the ministry has encouraged online bookings. The theatres will have to provide facilities for handwash and sanitisers. All cinema goers will be thermally screened and the use of Aarogya Setu app has been encouraged.