Asked if the halls are ready for opening on October 15, Navin Chokhani, the owner of popular Navina cinema, said “we are making arrangements but yet to get SOP about the gap between two seats and rows from the Centre. That is important to make seating arrangements and start online ticket sales.” He hoped the SOP will be available before the deadline and films can be screened in the festive season. Cinema halls and plexes in Bengal are closed since March 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday issued new guidelines for permitting more activities in areas outside the containment zones that include opening up cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15.