Bollywood filmmaker and producer Karan Johar urged the Delhi government to allow cinemas to operate following the latter’s decision to declare a ‘yellow alert’ in the state amid a spike in COVID-19 cases following the emergence of Omicron. Under the alert, schools, colleges, cinemas and gyms will remain closed in the state, among other curbs.

"We urge the Delhi Government to allow cinemas to operate. Cinemas are equipped with better ability to ensure a hygienic environment while maintaining social distancing norms as compared to other out-of-home settings. @LtGovDelhi @ArvindKejriwal @OfficeOfDyCM #cinemasaresafe," Karan wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

We urge the Delhi Government to allow cinemas to operate. Cinemas are equipped with better ability to ensure a hygienic environment while maintaining social distancing norms as compared to other out-of-home settings. @LtGovDelhi @ArvindKejriwal @OfficeOfDyCM #cinemasaresafe

— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) December 30, 2021

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The Multiplex Association of India issued a statement elaborating on what the shutting of cinema halls yet again could mean for the movie business. Kamal Gainchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India, said, “Delhi Government’s decision to shut down Cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the ‘yellow’ alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian Film Industry."

Following the announcement of the closure of Delhi cinema halls, makers of Shahid Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur's Jersey had postponed the release date of their film which was originally supposed to hit the screens today (December 31). 

(Source: Twitter)