MAI expresses gratitude to govt for allowing 100 per cent seating capacity in cinemas

The decision will give the cinema industry the necessary impetus to recover from the impact of the on-going pandemic, MAI said.

Kamal Gianchandani, President MAI, said, "With multiple vaccines beginning to roll out, the cinema industry is well poised to quickly recover from the unprecedented impact of the pandemic. A quick and timely decision by the Government to restore 100% seating capacity, means that all cinema operators now have the seating capacities to attract new films to their theatres.

"We are gratified by the Government’s decision and would like to express our sincere appreciation. We urge all State Governments to urgently implement the new SOPs.”

Kamal Gianchandani, President MAI

Alok Tandon, CEO - INOX Leisure Ltd, said, "For the revival of the cinema exhibition industry, relaxations of the seating norms was a vital prerequisite. We are thankful to the I&B Ministry and absolutely excited about the revised guidelines allowing 100% seating in cinemas. This would ease the apprehensions in the minds of content producers and studios, who may now announce the release dates of their movies.

"We now look forward to the State Governments to provide us the nod to implement the revised guidelines. We will remain committed to the protocols as advised, as guest safety and hygiene has always been a priority.”

Related News: Centre allows 100 pct occupancy in theatres from Feb 1

Devang Sampat, CEO Cinepolis India said, "Shri Sunny Deol is hugely admired in the Film Industry, not only for his enormous contribution as an actor, director and producer, but also for his personal lifetime values as a genuine human being and a guide to many. I am confident that the film industry community will continue to benefit from his valued leadership and counsel.”

The central government allowed 100 per cent occupancy in cinema halls from Monday in its fresh guidelines released as a part of relaxing restrictions of the Coronavirus lockdown.