Coronavirus impact: Will there be no new releases as theatres might be shut? — experts speak

Coronavirus is spreading and now there are more cases being reported in India. Unconfirmed reports state that one person from Karnataka has died due to the virus. So far 62 cases have been registered in India. Like all other industries, Bollywood might also be adversely affected. In fact, it has already impacted the industry and we tell you how.

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IIFA postponed

IIFA 2020 was scheduled to be held from 27 to 29 March at Indore and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh but was postponed. "With due regard to the growing concerns around the spread of COVID-19 virus and keeping the health and safety of IIFA's fans and the and the general community at large, it has been decided to postpone the much-awaited IIFA Weekend and Awards 2020 celebrations, which were originally scheduled at the end of March," a statement issued by IIFA read.

International Indian Film Academy Awards: With due regard to the growing concerns around the spread of the #COVID19 virus and, after consulting the Madhya Pradesh government, it has been decided to postpone the event (originally scheduled at the end of March) to a later date. pic.twitter.com/zNQWMmBKsu

ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2020

No new releases?

There's a high possibility that some of the big upcoming releases like '83 and Sooryavanshi might not release on their scheduled release dates. Sooryavanshi is scheduled to release on March 24 while '83 is scheduled to release on April 10. Trade analyst Vishek Chauhan says, "Not just Bollywood, Coronavirus will impact the whole Indian film industry. If it spreads, how far and deep will it go that's the question to be asked. The paranoia is more dangerous and concerning. People have their fears and that's understandable." Talking about Sooryavanshi, he said, "Even if the makers go ahead and release the film, it will be ballsy thing to do. What if you release your film and there's a lockdown in 5 or 7 states? There are anyway not many hit films. I would advise people to play it safe. Life comes first and films come later. Let's be sensible."

Shoots cancelled

The Thailand schedule of Salman Khan's Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai was cancelled as a precautionary measure. The first schedule of Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chillar's Prithviraj, which was supposed to be shot in Rajasthan was also cancelled and shifted to Mumbai. Karan Johar's Takht, which was about to go on floors in Jaisalmer, has been postponed until further notice.

Cinema halls shut in Kerala

With 12 registered coronavirus cases in Kerala, the government recently announced that theatres across the state will remain shut until March 31. With the disease spreading in Maharashtra and other states, there's a high chance of other state governments following the same. Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi states, "Honestly, the impact in India is currently of fear-psychosis. To just say that cinema halls should be shut down, will have impact on the livelihood of many people working in cinema chains. General health of people is obviously paramount, but the livelihood of people must be kept in mind. Many of them live hand-to-mouth. Shutting down cinema halls might lead to lay-offs and that's the last thing we want."

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