Cinema chains feel the heat again as Delhi moves to level 1 of the graded response action plan as COVID-19 cases surge once again. Under the plan, cinemas have to shut shop once again. The Multiplex Association of India has approached the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi requesting a rollback the move, citing adverse consequences on the account of COVID-19 related shutdowns. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Kamal Gianchandani, President of the Multiplex Association of India, shared his perspective.

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“We have urged the government to rethink the decision and allow the cinemas to operate. We are absolutely fine if the government wants to put some restrictions on theatres -– restricting sitting capacity to 50 percent, making double vaccination mandatory for all customers coming to the cinemas,” he explained.

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“We have met the honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi today and highlighted the adverse economic situation that the film business and the exhibition business has been going through as a result of multiple lockdowns that we have had,” he said.

For the full interview, watch the accompanying video.

(Edited by : Vijay Anand)