Social media over the weekend was flooded with appeals from the theater and multiplex owners, who appealed for their business to re-open which has been on a complete lockdown since mid-March, 2020. It started a day after the ministry of home affairs released the guidelines for Unlock 4 in India, which did not contain the mandate for re-opening movie screens. 

The Multiplex Association of India took to twitter to voice their appeal which later found support among film industry voices throughout the country.

The Cinema Industry is an inherent part of the country’s culture, but also an integral part of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods #SupportMovieTheatres

— Multiplex Association Of India (@MAofIndia) August 30, 2020

If Aviation, Metro, Malls, Wellness and Restaurants can be allowed to operate, the Cinema Industry too deserves a chance. #SupportMovieTheatres

— Multiplex Association Of India (@MAofIndia) August 30, 2020

It's time we reopened our cinemas with SOPs in place! #SupportMovieTheatres pic.twitter.com/4pQZ32FgS5

— Shobu Yarlagadda (@Shobu_) August 30, 2020

Now that almost 'Everything' is allowed to open... It's high time to consider opening theatres too with all the safety precautions..... Too many peoples livelihood is involved in it... PLS DO CONSIDER UNLOCKING US TOO... 🙏#SupportMovieTheatres #SupportCinemas #Unlock4 pic.twitter.com/bwVfksRTbY

— karthik subbaraj (@karthiksubbaraj) August 30, 2020

#SupportMovieTheatres #SaveCinemas pic.twitter.com/O0loQxKBbR

— Boney Kapoor (@BoneyKapoor) August 30, 2020

#SupportMovieTheatres #SaveCinemas
Strongly feel we should get back with theatres soon. Hope Govt.of India will support & Save Cinema 🙏🙏🙏 @_PVRCinemas @INOXMovies @Sakthicinemas pic.twitter.com/mhck48FmMf

— Dr. Dhananjayan BOFTA (@Dhananjayang) August 30, 2020

Come on now! With proper SOPs we should open the theatres. Nothing will ever replace the experience of the big screen #SupportMovieTheatres #SaveCinema pic.twitter.com/82sopMYXTG

— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) August 30, 2020