HYDERABAD: Over 200 multiplexes and 450 single screens across Telangana have been allowed to open their doors. In a GO released barely days before Hyderabad municipal polls on December 1, authorities said theatres can immediately open with 50% seating capacity. But most theatres are likely to reopen from December 4 onwards. The management has to ensure that audience, staff and vendors wear masks all the time, sanitizers are available at all entry and exits, and physical distancing measures are implemented, the GO 158 said. Sanitization of the premises, particularly common areas, should be done after every screening.
The temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24- 30 degrees centigrade and relative humidity in the range of 40-70%. The GO said recirculation of air should be avoided and intake of fresh air be provided as much as possible.
“The show timings should be staggered to ensure that intervals do not occur simultaneously,” the GO said. Telangana stands number three in the country behind Bollywood and Chennai film industry in terms of movies produced every year and industry sources said at least six movies are ready for release. “It will be the discretion of exhibitors to open theatres immediately if they wish to as the government has allowed it. But if theatres have to make a decent profit, the reopening decision will have to be coordinated with producers who are almost ready with their new films,” M Vijender Reddy, former president of Telangana State Film Chamber of Commerce, told TOI. “We had preliminary discussions recently and we believe the reopening can happen on December 4,” he said, adding that theatre owners feel a re-run can fetch them returns if they screen hit films.
The Union ministry of home affairs on September 30 had permitted the opening of theatres subject to approval from state governments. Theatres in Mumbai, West Bengal and various parts of the country have opened since, but people have largely stayed away. Many single screens across India shut down again citing lack of content and the pandemic
