NJ Thakuria
As the Union information & broadcasting minister, Prakash Javadekar released a standard operating procedure on preventive measures to contain Covid-19 spread through cinema halls and theatres on 31 January 2021, the producer and director of a newly released Assamese move expressed happiness as the cinema halls can operate now with full capacity.
Javadekar described that sanitization and corona-protocols will have to be adhered to but filmgoers can buy food items from the stalls inside the theatres. The guidelines specify that respiratory etiquettes must be followed including usage of face masks, the adequate social distancing of at least six feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times. Thermal screening of visitors would be carried out at entry and the exit should be done in a staggered row-wise manner to avoid crowding.
Moreover, a sufficient time interval between successive screenings in a multiplex should be provided to ensure row-wise staggered entry and exit of the audience. It also promotes usage of contactless digital transactions for payments for tickets, food, and beverages etc. Earlier, commemorating the completion of 50 years of Anuradha Cinemaghar at Chandmari locality of the city, Assamese movie titled Midnight Song was premiered on 27 January which thus becomes the first local movie to be released after the corona-pandemic inducing national lockdown.
Gracing the occasion, State chief minister Sonowal remembered the leadership of Phani Sharma who established the cinema hall in 1971. He commented that the completed of 50 years by Anuradha Cineplex is a matter of encouragement and enthusiasm for the cultural life of Assam.
Besides paying his rich tributes to RG Baruah and others who took active roles in the establishment of the hall, Sonowal congratulated proprietor Chinmay Sharma and his family members on the special occasion. He also expressed confidence that other cinema halls in the State would sustain their contributions to enrich the regional film industry as it was done by Anuradha Cineplex. Sonowal mentioned several steps taken by the present government to motivate the film artistes. He assured of necessary government supports in future too. He termed the release of Midnight Song, produced by Aparajita Bhuyan and directed by Arunjyoti Bora, as a good start.
In presence of former Union minister Bijoya Chakrabarty, award-winning film director Jahnu Baruah, actors Malaya Goswami, Pranjal Saikia, etc Sonowal also hoped that it would inject new vibrancy into the regional filmdom.
