First the two-month-long strike in April-June created havoc in the industry and now it?s the Swine Flu. Just when multiplexes were seeing positive signs of good business post the strike, the Maharashtra government has asked Mumbai multiplexes to shut down for three days, starting (August 13-15) as part of a precautionary measure against the disease.
Besides the multiplexes, the H1N1 virus has postponed the release of UTV?s Kaminey due on August 14 in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. Meanwhile, the government last week already shut down multiplexes and malls in Pune.
Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures said,?There is immense buzz and anticipation around the release of Kaminey, which is clearly one of the most awaited films of the year. There is already a heavy rush for paid previews of the film nationwide and in US, UK & Dubai. We are going ahead with the release of the film this Friday across the country and worldwide in 1,200 screens except in Mumbai. We look forward to release the film in these regions as soon as the cinema halls are given permission to re-open. Being a corporate we are fully insured for the two day delay we are facing in these markets. According to analysts if multiplexes shut down this weekend they could lose around Rs 35 crore in terms of box office collections from Kaminey, Life Partner and Love Aaj Kal. Kaminey alone is estimated to generate over Rs 5 crore. However, film analysts feel that this decision could be extended to the weekend.
Devang Sampat, senior vice president, Cinemax said,?Till now we have not got any directive from the government and we will not shut down unless until the government gives in writing. Besides, multiplexes are the most clean and safest place.?
?As per industry analysts, the buzz around Kaminey will not affect the release of the film worldwide. Maneesh mathur, COO, P9 Integrated said,?Multiplex shut down for three days will definitely impact the release of Kaminey as the film is already set for its advance booking on August 12. The three-day ban in Mumbai multiplexes will in turn affect the films business as the long weekend would have generated good revenues.?