Cinema Halls To Reopen In Odisha From January 8

Bhubaneswar: The movie lovers have something to cheer as cinema halls and movie theatres are all set to reopen in Odisha from January 8 after the State government has given a go ahead with conditions of strict Covid guidelines.

The halls will reopen in some places including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in the State, sources said.

The development comes after a gap of nine months as the theatres were closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The movie goers will have to follow certain safety protocols for Covid-19 while watching movie on the big screen. The government has allowed the halls to reopen with 50% occupancy with maintaining staggered show timing and social distancing protocols.

On-line ticket booking has been given prioritised to avoid unnecessary rush at the counters.  The cinema halls will promote digital payment at box office counters.

The halls would be sanitised after every show. Entry of snacks and beverages has been restricted to some extent.

Sources said that some old movies are likely to be released due to unavailability of new cinemas in the box office. Production of films has drastically fallen in the State due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

The halls are also expected to play advertisements on Covid-19 safety norms before the start of a movie.