The tensions between India and Pakistan reached a crucial point last night after drones were launched from across the border against Indian military bases and civilian areas. As a consequence of this tension and also the cancellation of Bhool Chuk Maaf’s theatrical release as well as suspension of IPL (Indian Premier League), rumours spread in the trade and also among moviegoers that cinema halls will be asked to cease operations. It led to panic and reminded everyone of the dark days of the pandemic. However, Bollywood Hungama has learned that no such decision has been taken.
India-Pakistan tension sparks FALSE cinema shutdown rumours; multiplex open bookings for the weekend; Raid 2’s Thursday jump brings respite
A source told us, “A meeting took place today between cinema owners and multiplex officials to discuss the situation. Though the outcome of the meeting is not clear, there’s no sign or indication that theatres will be asked to shut down. Hence, it’s all a rumour.”
When contacted, Nitin Datar, President, Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association, India (COEAI) revealed, “I was not a part of the meeting but from what I heard, the multiplexes have opened advances for the weekend. So, I don’t think so (that cinemas are being shut).”
Today, May 9, the cities near the border like Chandigarh, Bhuj, Amritsar, etc, have decided not to play any shows at night. In places like Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Jalandhar, etc, the restriction on night shows will continue not just today but also tomorrow.
But in the rest of the country, the cinema business continues. Kiritbhai T Vaghasia, who runs The Friday Cinema multiplex in Surat, said, “I am playing The Bhootnii from today and believe it or not, I sold 50 tickets for the 3:00 pm show. Hence, as you can see, there’s no panic and it’s like any other normal day at our cinema.”
An industry insider said, “We have barely recovered from the losses we suffered during the pandemic when cinemas were asked to shut down. The government is aware of it and I am sure they won’t enforce decisions that would lead to losses, job cuts and fear among the public. This is what the terrorists want and in such a scenario, all the businesses should function normally, so that panic lessens and money circulates in the economy.”
What has also been heartening is that the newest release Raid 2, which fell on Wednesday due to attention over Operation Sindoor, picked up well on Thursday. On Wednesday, it earned Rs. 4.81 crores, which was down from the Tuesday collections of Rs. 7.45 crores. But yesterday, the film saw a jump as it earned Rs. 5.33 crores. With no competition this week, it is bound to have a strong Week 2 and an overall impressive lifetime.
The fear, however, looms. Nitin Datar remarked, “Usually, the public doesn’t go to cinemas when the matters are tense. In such a situation, the first sector that’s affected is cinema, as it’s not seen as an important activity. During such times, people want to rush back to their homes.”
Nevertheless, the Raid 2 jump and also the performance of all films today have given hope that things will be normal for cinema in the coming days. The trade and industry are also hopeful of a spike in footfalls next weekend with the release of Final Destination Bloodlines and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
Also Read: Bollywood showcases solidarity as Jammu faces attacks amid rising India Pakistan tensions
More Pages: Raid 2 Box Office Collection , Raid 2 Movie Review
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