With two new films up for release, the excitement was palpable. Unfortunately, this has been tempered by caution.
With two new films up for release, the excitement was palpable. Unfortunately, this has been tempered by caution. The government directive was in the news, but multiplex spokespersons informed us that advance bookings would continue until they received some sort of communication from the state government about shutting shop for four days in the city. At the time of going to print, most of them had. Here's what a few of them had to say...
Devang Sampatu00a0- Sr VPu00a0- Cinemax
"We will close down for four days, starting today. We were expecting good business, it being a long weekend. Regarding precautions being taken, we don't wish to inconvenience patrons and are looking at purchasing thermal cameras to detect patrons who may be infected. Overall, we don't think patrons would want to wear masks and watch a movie. Besides, the risk is greater at bigger public places like railway stations and malls."
Tushar Dhingrau00a0- COOu00a0- Big Cinemas
Now that the directive we've received is in effect (for four days), we intend to reimburse in full the patrons who have purchased tickets through advance bookings. They are free to book tickets on a later date if they wish to. Public safety is of paramount importance to us and we intend to follow through with whatever the government expects us to do. We are working proactively with the government on helping to contain this situation.
Amitabh Vardhanu00a0- CEO -Operations and Programmingu00a0- PVR cinemas
We are aware but are waiting for some sort of communication from the government directly. Regarding reimbursements, we haven't worked out the mechanisms yet. Let's wait and then we'll take a call. We have a panel of doctors on board (not just in view of this swine flu situation; but generally) and will take a call after they advise us on further course of action. We have regular fumigation and stringent hygiene checkups at all our properties. If we have to, we'll take necessary steps across properties.
As told to Bryan Durham
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