Bhubaneswar: After nearly 9 months, cinema halls are ready to welcome viewers here. All theatres have to follow the guidelines of the state government such as sanitising, social distancing, 50 per cent capacity and more.
The SOPs implemented by cinema halls are as follow:
– 50 per cent capacity
– Adjacent seats on either sides to be left vacant
– Floor markers for social distancing
– Digital payment encouraged
– E-tickets & contactless QR based entry
– Availability of PPE kits for purchase
– Thermal Screening
– Staggered show timings, intermissions and exits
– Seat disinfection & sanitisation after every show
– Enhanced air-filtration systems with 20 per cent extra fresh air intake
– Aarogya Setu app use encouraged
“We have completely discontinued paper tickets. Guests can book online or come here and book using their phones. The ticket will be sent on the mobile number,” Amitava Guha Thakurta, Regional Director at INOX (East) told OdishaBytes.
The same goes for food orders as well. Guests can scan the QR codes available and order food in a contactless manner at all INOX outlets. Only packed food is delivered.
“If somebody doesn’t have a mask, we will provide him one as well,” added Amitava. He also explained that apart from all touchpoints, the entire seating area is fogged and sanitized after each show. Manager of Keshari Talkies, Rabi Mohanty, also confirmed that sanitization will be thoroughly carried out after each show.
Some cinema halls such as INOX has introduced immunity boosters in its food menu consisting of Turmeric Latte, Green Teas, Energy Bars etc.
Lingaraj Panda of Maharaja hall echoed a balanced sentiment. While he’s glad that theatres have finally been allowed to reopen, he said business will only bounce back after students return to their colleges.
Those dependent more on Odia movies have a different say. Ashok Mohapatra, owner of Rabi Talkies, told OdishaBytes that they will be waiting to reopen when a big Hindi film will be released as there are no Odia movies to be showcased now.
Cinepolis is the only cinema hall that has already reopened.
Here are the opening dates of cinema halls in twin cities:
Cinepolis at Esplanade Mall – January 4
INOX DN Regalia Mall & Symphony Mall – January 8
INOX at Bhawani Mall – January 10
INOX at SGBL Square Mall, Cuttack – January 9
Keshari Talkies – January 8
Maharaja – January 8
Sangam Cineplex, Cuttack – January 8
