India's Coronavirus Lockdown is Extended till 3 May 2020 - Implications for Movie Industry

Big breaking news is that India's Coronavirus Lockdown is extended till the 3rd of May 2020. PM Narendra Modi has made this announcement just a few minutes back on National Television. Earlier, the lockdown was effective till the 14th of April, which is today. But now there is an extension of 19 days more.

Because of this extension of lockdown, there will domino effect in various industries in India including the entertainment and movie industry. It means there will be no opening of theatres till the end of 3rd May. Sources suggest it is already decided that theaters will not open till 15th May 2020.

It means there will be no new releases in the month of April for sure. Also, chances are very slim that there will be any new release in the month of May. It also means that there will be no release in the festive time of Eid 2020.

The films that are directly affected because of the lockdown are:-

1. Sooryavanshi

2. Sandeep Aur Pink Faraar

3. Haathi Mere Saathi

4. 83

5. Gulabo Sitabo

6. Ludo

7. Gunjan Saxena

8. Coolie No.1

The films that will most certainly get postponed are:-

1. Dil Bechara

2. The Girl on The Train

3. Shakuntala Devi

4. Laxmmi Bomb

5. Radhe

Around 13 films are getting affected already because of the lockdown and there are chances that further movies will get postponed.

Another important point is that once theaters are opened there will be a flurry of releases in the second half of 2020. It means clash is inevitable and we might see mighty films clash with each other in the latter part of the year. A big film has the only chance of solo release if it gets released on a normal weekend. Even then it may have to clash with some small films for sure.

As there will be no release in Eid, we might see a clash of titans in Diwali, Christmas and New Year time for sure.

Do let us know your thought on the present crisis and what and when you think theater will be opened again in India.