Karnataka cinema halls to remain open, despite coronavirus scare 

As movie theatres in Kerala have been shut down till March 31 due to the coronavirus scare, rumours started spreading that the same preventive measure would be followed in Karnataka too. However, DR Jayaraj, President of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, and Praveen Kumar, President of the Producers' Association, have clarified that no such decision has been made.

"Release of Kannada films will continue until we receive an order from the government to stop the screenings. Till date, we haven't received any such orders," says Jayaraj. 

Praveen Kumar assures that movie releases will continue as usual this week. "In case there is a need to shut theatres, the decision can be made only after discussing with members of the producers' association, directors' union, the exhibitors' associations, and the chamber of commerce," he says.

He goes on to explain what would be the scenario if there is a shutdown. "It will be a huge loss to the cinema industry. It has become difficult to draw the audience to the theatres. Most of the screens are empty now. Despite that, producers have come forward to release their films. So we don't want to discourage them."