No show! Film exhibitors refrain from reopening theatres as a mark of protest
2 min read
Mysuru: After seven months of restrictions due to Covid lockdown, the central government recently permitted theatres and multiplexes to reopen from October 15.
While the multiplexes resumed screening under the newly released protocol and guidelines that include social distancing by blocking the every alternative seat between the audience, followed by sanitisation, temperature checks and so on, the single screen theatres have refrained from reopening as a mark of protest.
Karnataka Film Exhibitors Federation that has several screens under its ambit has decided to not open any theatres as a protest against the government for not fulfilling their demands.
They had noticed the government with its concerns about licence renewals and relief funds for other sectors after the pandemic, but film exhibitors were kept away. For the past two years, the government has also increased the licence fee, besides not considering the demand to slash tax slab, that has upset the exhibitors who are struggling to keep the show on.
“The government has helped us in no way for many years and have also not looked into any requests made. During this crucial time as well, the government has not granted any funds for recovering the loss. Other neighbouring state governments have already granted funds but the Karnataka government has lacked to do so. Hence, as a protest we single screen owners across the districts and state have arrived at a consensus to not open any theatre until the government answers to our claims,” M R Rajaram of Gayatri theatre, also the Vice-President of Karnataka Film Exhibitors Federation told Mysoorunews.com.
Although, theatres were the first in commercial sector to shut down during the lockdown, the government has neglected its needs. For years single screen theatres have helped the film industry in not only screening movies but by also supporting them with promotions and productions.
Now, the theatre owners are facing a difficult time and the government has least bothered to help them.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
