Dhaka, Chattogram multiplexes resume operation
Film viewers were seen to line up for buying tickets. They felt excited to find that the entertainment venue is open
The first multiplex in the capital – Star Cineplex at Bashundhara City – resumed operation on Friday seven months after it remained shut in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The moviegoers can enjoy films at the three branches of Star Cineplex situated at Bashundhara City, Simanto Square and Mohakhali SK Tower.
The authorities have decided to keep their morning show off for the first one week. The show will only start from noon.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The government allowed the cinemas to open on 16 October after it issued an order for the closure of all cinemas across the country on 18 March as the pandemic hit.
Not a lot of moviegoers showed up in the opening first week of cinemas, but after the reopening of the cineplex, moviegoers have begun to turn up, said Star Cineplex Senior Manager Mesbah Uddin Ahmed.
Sources said the film viewers were seen to line up for buying tickets and also for food. They felt excited to find that the entertainment venue is open.
Rifat, a film spectator from Mirpur, said, "During the early period of pandemic, I used to hang out with my friends. Now, we got the opportunity to watch movies."
All the branches of the cineplex will display two Hollywood films – one is "Tenet" by Christopher Nolan and another Disney's live action movie "Mulan".
Unoponchash Batash – a Bangladeshi romantic drama film directed by Masud Hasan Ujjal – was also released in the cineplex. Besides, the movie theatre authorities will show "Na Darai" in all their three branches.
"We will conduct our movie operations in compliance with all health safety regulations during the current pandemic, and encourage all to purchase tickets online rather than buying it with cash," Cineplex Senior Manager Mesbah Uddin Ahmed said.
About Friday's show, he said all the shows airing "Unoponchash Batash" are house full.
While talking to this correspondent at the cineplex lobby, "Unoponchash Batash" Director Masud Hasan Uzzal said his movie was released in Bashundhara City Cineplex and Chattogram Multiplex Silver Screen.
"The viewers' response is good, and I feel very good as well."
On the other hand, at a press conference on Thursday, Mahabubur Rahman Ruhel of Star Cineplex said the first 1,000 spectators will get the opportunity to buy tickets at half price.
Besides, the Star Cineplex-produced "Na Darai" will also give the viewers an opportunity to purchase the ticket at half price.
Chattogram Multiplex Silver Screen partner Faruk Ahmed Uday said they are showing "Unoponchash Batash", "Tenet" and "Mulan" in their cinemas.
Of them, "Unoponchash Batash" earns a good response from the film spectators.
