Bhubaneswar: Movie halls in Odisha reopened today after the state government gave permission to theatre owners to reopen their establishments from this month.
All the cinemas remain closed from March 22 as part of national lockdown to contain the spread of Coronavirus.
While the development brings cheer among moviegoers, watching film on big screens would not be the same experience with several restrictions in place. Complying to the guidelines, halls will open only with 50 percent occupancy and adequate social distancing. Use of facemask, hand sanitization and thermal screening will be mandatory for all prior to their entry.
Several cinema theatres in Bhubaneswar, including Cinepolis at Esplanade One Mall, Keshari Theatre, Maharaja, INOX at DN Regalia Mall and Symphony Mall have scheduled to screen shows from today. Similarly, Sangam Cineplex in Cuttack opened for movie watchers from today.
Sources said ticket price in most of the theatres remain same, while online booking and payment in digital mode will be encouraged. Meanwhile, in the absence of new theatrical releases, theatres are planning to screen films that had been released in the earlier weeks.
