Hindi
Multiplex Association writes to Maharashtra CM, says possible lockdown could hit cinemas
MUMBAI: Maharashtra has been witnessing a drastic surge in coronavirus cases over the past few days, and several medical experts have suggested that the only possible way to curb the rising caseloads is by implementing a second lockdown. Amid looming uncertainty over a possible shutdown, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has written to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, saying that another lockdown, if implemented, could hit the film exhibition industry very badly.
The MAI added that yet another halt on operations could also negatively affect the functioning of retail and shopping industries.
"Such measures that curtail smooth operations will not only deter genuine movie-goers and shoppers, who have slowly returned to cinemas and shopping centers, from visiting cinemas and malls but also put into motion a downward spiraling effect on cinema industry and modern retail that could derail the recovery of these segments," the association stated.
In the letter, the MAI noted that the implementation of a second lockdown in the state will result in the postponement of several Hindi movie releases, which will in turn create an extremely hostile situation for cinemas across the nation.
The MAI added that "second lockdown will be extremely detrimental and would lead to severe and irreversible consequences for the cinema exhibition sector."
It was on 13 March 2020 that the Maharashtra government decided to close all cinema halls in the state due to the rising number of Coronavirus infections. The closure lasted until 9 November, and now, even after five months of opening, the industry has not stabilised due to the hesitance of people to enter movie halls.
Further, the MAI pointed out that cinema halls are ensuring sufficient hygienic practices, and even being a closed setting, theatres are safer when compared to local trains, metro trains, and airlines. The letter also asserted that a lockdown on cinemas will be discriminating and discouraging.
After months of remaining shuttered, cinemas reopened in October 2020 with a 50 per cent cap on seating and had to adhere to strict protocols issued by the government. Restrictions were further eased from 1 February 2021 and theatres were allowed to operate at 100 per cent capacity. However, footfalls have been low, and according to a Livemint report, hovering between seven to 30 per cent in north India. There are exceptions to this abysmal trend — Tamil film Master ran to packed houses even after arriving on an OTT platform, while Telugu film Uppena has also done great business.
Hindi
Rashmika Mandanna, Shanaya Kapoor and Naila Grrewal climb IMDb’s Indian celebrity rankings
Upcoming films and returning shows are driving fan interest across Bollywood and streaming
MUMBAI: Bollywood’s popularity contest has a new weekly scorecard, and the numbers are telling. IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities list for this week places Shanaya Kapoor at number six, buoyed by buzz around her film Tu Yaa Main. Naila Grrewal slots in at seven on the back of the returning comedy series Maamla Legal Hai, while Rashmika Mandanna climbs to eighth, riding mounting anticipation for Cocktail 2.
The list, available exclusively on the IMDb app for Android and iOS, tracks trending Indian entertainers and filmmakers each week, drawing on data from more than 200m monthly visits to the platform worldwide.
Further down the rankings, Raaka is keeping two of its biggest names in the spotlight. Deepika Padukone holds 11th position, with Allu Arjun close behind at 13th, as the film continues to find traction with audiences.
The list offers fans a weekly pulse on who is breaking through, who is holding steady, and who is fading. It is a barometer as unsparing as the box office itself.
