'PVR is thinking of giving promotional discounts as cinema opens': Gautam Dutta on hopes of theatres reopening soon

As the country is getting ready for the Unlock phase amid the coronavirus crisis, the experience of watching a film in the theatres is going to change completely as audiences will have to follow the new rules and PVR Cinemas is all set to bring cinema lovers back to the movie theatres. 

Beginning August, the Ajay Bijli-owned theatre chain, that has invested around ₹6 crores across all properties to come up with hygiene and safety measures, hoping that theatres will reopen by end of September. Speaking to Zee News, Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas said that audiences are now adapting and understanding the new normal.  

He said, "Physical distancing will be given attention. According to group size, one seat will be left vacant and there will be no loss due to empty seats. The ticket price will not bounce. We are thinking of giving discounts as soon as the cinema opens. We are planning to give a discount on tickets through a promotional offer for the first 2-4 weeks."

In addition to his, PVR has also come up with a contactless transaction system where the customer has to scan QR codes available at multiple touchpoints through his phone camera to book tickets and then order food and beverage from there itself. 

No physical tickets will be sold anymore. For the uninformed, cinema halls in India shut since the middle of March amid the coronavirus lockdown in India. 

Speaking about OTT releases, Gautam said, "There is no risk from OTT platforms. OTT and Cinema will go hand in hand as cinema halls gives out of home entertainment to the country. Once you open the cinema hall, it would be better to compare it with OTT. 28-30 or 1.5% movie releases a year on OTT."