Following the resolution of cases in the capital, the Delhi government authorised cinemas, theatres, and multiplexes to reopen with a 50% capacity on Thursday. Due to the sharp increase in cases, cinemas were forced to close, and the shutdown in Delhi disrupted the January release schedule. However, now that the reopening has been announced, industry analysts are predicting a brighter February than they had anticipated previously.
Exhibitors have stated that they will reopen cinema venues as soon as an official notification is received. “Cinemas are waiting for government approval,” says Girish Johar, a producer and film industry analyst. They will reopen as soon as they receive it. It’s fantastic news for moviegoers, as some Hollywood pictures, such as Scream 5, will be released next month.” “February does have a line-up of rescheduled and postponed films,” says Akshay Rathee, director of a theatre chain and an industry expert. More such releases are expected now that the Delhi government has permitted theatres to reopen and the weekend curfew has been removed. Films that were scheduled to be released in January will now be released in February or March. It gives me a lot of hope.”
I’m hoping for some huge releases. Maharashtra, according to exhibitors, is the largest film market, whereas Delhi is the second largest. They believe that the reopening of theatres in Delhi at 50% capacity will lead to the release of big-budget films. “Delhi is a very important income centre,” says Raj Bansal, a distributor. I also learned that Jersey and Radhe Shyam are expected to be released soon. February is shaping out to be a good month, which I wasn’t anticipating.” In January, the film industry had a full calendar, but things didn’t work out due to the Omicron surge. Following the closure of Delhi cinemas, the release of films such as Jersey, RRR, Prithviraj, and Radhe Shyam was postponed.
