Nagpur: Munching Popcorn in Multiplex When fun with the Thriller Racy film will now be something from the past, at least for now, because the state government has forbade food and drinks in the filtering area.
As a cinema and auditorium reopened from October 22 at Maharashtra to let customers enter, unfortunately popcorn boxes or other snacks must remain outside.
Sanjay Surana, whose family has nearly two dozen cinemas in Maharashtra, say there are several points in the SOP (standard operating procedures) that are not logical.
Surana said, “Eating food at the kiosk is permitted, but taking it in the auditorium, which is only 10 feet, it is prohibited.
This is just one of the ilogical clauses in SOP by the Maharashtra government.
Chewing in the screening area is part of the entire film experience.” Sales Food and drinks in Multiplex are high margin income streams and only the number of people who can be ignored to consume food at the kiosk itself.
“Many people may not buy snacks if they realize it cannot be taken inside,” Surana said.
On Tuesday night, the district collector issued orders to reopen the cinema, theater, swimming pool (only for athletes) and cultural events allowed in an open area in Nagpur (rural).
Until archiving this report, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has not issued orders for the city.
Order collectors clarify that only adults who have taken both doses of covid vaccine will be allowed to enter.
Also, at least 14 days should have passed since the second dose.
For them under 18, entries are allowed without vaccination because there is no provision for that age group.
However, it will be mandatory for minors to bring proof of a photo ID where the date of birth is mentioned.
The ‘50% occupancy limit will harm the TheaterRes’sanjay Surana, whose family has nearly two dozen cinemas in Maharashtra, another clause that will hurt the cinema is a 50% residential area.
“The bus runs at full capacity, on the autorickshaw, people sit next to each other, the plane is full, but, for some reason, you cannot have the people who sit next to the cinema,” said Surana.
Manohar Wadhwani, a national film distributor, said this was the first time detailed SOP had been issued for this sector.
“The right of the diagram of a seating plan, to staff vaccination status, how the food menu must be served to customers mentioned in it,” Wadhwani said.
But, the film hall was not the only one who was injured.
The cinema, which thrives on direct interaction with the audience, too rue hats seating 50%.
Sameer Pandit, Theater Organizer, said, “It is not a 50% occupancy limit, the government should make a complete mandatory vaccination for theater audiences.
If all are fully vaccinated, we can go for 100% occupancy.
It is not feasible to hold commercial performances at 50% occupancy.
“He added, it would be financially impossible for the Mumbai group to hold playing in Nagpur, because logistics costs and limited income.
Seeing the situation as a blessing in disguise, theater veteran Sanjay Bhakre said local groups could cash opportunities.
“We are practicing to play commercial, which we planned to be launched as soon as the theater is open.
Theater lovers really want to watch drama.
If we bring good content, it will be an opportunity for local talents,” he said.
Ravindra Jadhav theater organizer says watching play will be more expensive in the coming days.
“The current standard ticket level is around RS500.
With 50% occupancy, at least it will reach RS700, at least.
Everyone faces post-covid financial constraints.
I’m not sure how many will come and attend the theater,” he said.
Maharashtra: watch movies in theaters but don’t chew popcorn, samosa
