GUWAHATI: The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed four cinema halls in Guwahation the verge of shutting down. The owners decided to shut down these halls following huge financial loss caused by COVID-19 induced lockdown. The screens in Assam have remained closed for last ten months since the nationwide lockdown began in March.
Chinmoy Sarma, the president of All Assam Cinema Hall Owners Association informed media persons that owners have decided to close down Apsara, Bandana, Meghdoot and Urvashi Cinema Halls in Guwahati. The doors of Silver Screen at Chaygaon will also remain shut forever following financial burden caused by the closure in the backdrop of pandemic.
Though the halls have remained closed, the owners have to pay fixed electric bills every month which range from 35 to 40 thousand rupees.
The owners requested the government to give concession in the fixed charges of electricity. But the government allowed the halls to reopen with 50 per cent seat capacity. Fearing the losses, many halls of the state decided not to reopen immediately.
