After govt lifts curbs, one cinema hall in Odisha opens to thin audience
BHUBANESWAR: After the government lifted the restrictions on the screening of films in cinema halls in the state, only one such theatre reopened in Bhubaneswar to a lukewarm response on Monday. The others are planning to resume shows from the weekend.
Cinepolis multiplex in Esplanade One mall has started screening films. Around 100 people had visited the multiplex till Monday night. Films were released in four of its seven screens. “As the government has allowed the cinema halls to operate up to 50% of its capacity, we have opened more than 330 seats for booking,” a theatre staff said. He added that people followed the Covid guidelines while entering the hall and also while watching the films. “I hope the numbers will go up with each passing day. As the halls were closed since March, we have taken all steps to sanitize and clean it,” he said. Mithun Dandasena, a cinema-goer, said he took the necessary precautions like wearing a mask and maintaining social distance inside the hall. “Coming to the theatre after so long was a refreshing change. Staying confined to the four walls of the house all these months was not easy. We also need some entertainment in life,” he smiled.
INOX, which has multiplexes in three major malls of the city, will start screening films from January 8.
Similarly, Keshari Talkies may start screening films from January 7. The other five cinema halls in the city will start the shows from next week. Film halls in Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Koraput, Balasore and other places will reopen after a few days.