Hyderabad: Movie buffs dash to theatres

Hyderabad: The movie buffs who were out of bounds from theatres finally got the opportunity to enjoy the theatre experience on Friday, after the government gave permission for screening of movies under strict COVID norms. Those who have been planning for days, postponing all other engagements rushed to enjoy the movie along with their friends.

Following the unlock process, the theatres and multiplexes were opened to movie goers under strict norms ensuring safety of the audience. Besides all the social distancing measures, the theatre managements ensured all precautionary measures like sanitisation, thermal screening etc, were in place. However, the ticket priced varied depending on the type of theatre. While multiplexes were charging between Rs 130 and Rs 300, while the normal theatres were charging around Rs 100.

Most of the theatres were taking all COVID precautionary measures as ordained by the government. Every person had to undergo thermal screening, use sanitisers and wear mask compulsorily before entering the theatre. Also, the theatre managements ensured that a gap was maintained between the seats as part of social distancing measures.

On the first day of the opening after almost 8 months, the movie lovers planned and reached the theatres beforehand to ensure all formalities were completed. "I came for the morning show to enjoy the Tenet movie in theatre. Screening of the shows in these big halls would be an experience afresh which reminds us of good old days. The theatre management is maintaining the social distance norms, checking body temperature, and sanitisers are kept at the entrance," said J Karteek, a movie lover.

"It is hard to sit alone and enjoy the movie without talking to our friends and cracking jokes. We came as a group to watch the movie, however, we had to maintain social distance by sitting alone in this current pandemic", said M Shashank, who came to watch a movie in one of the theatres.