Questionnaire for Mr. Tinku Singh, SRS Cinemas

Inputs by - Mr Tinku Singh, Group President 

& Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), SRS Group

• How are you spending your time in lockdown?

I have been staying up-to-date with the happenings around the world, trying to be in touch with the industry experts and peers gathering as much knowledge as I can. I am keeping myself busy by attending and participating in various webinars. Other than work this lockdown has actually given me some free time to spend with my family and relax, I also help around the house wherever possible. Since, I come from an F&B background, I’ve been also indulging myself in cooking with my daughters. I think everyone should utilize this time to heal their mind and bodies and de-toxify themselves. I’ve been working for almost 34 years, and I never got this much time for selfcare, I am practicing Yoga and meditation as well. 

• What do you think about the future of business in cinema halls?

Entertainment industry is amongst the sectors which have been effected the maximum due to Covid-19. This industry will be the last to go back to normal functioning post this pandemic. Cinema business is currently suffering major losses and it will be almost impossible for the business to survive if it’s doesn’t start functioning within a month’s time. This crisis is going to leave us with many irreversible changes, but as it is said “Change is the only constant thing in this world”, we will adapt to these changes. Recovering from the losses will be a slow process and is totally dependent on regular release of films/content. Even though right now there is a major threat from the OTT platforms but eventually things will get back to normal. The audience likes to watch movies in the cinema halls to experience the cinematic glory and ambience and they will come back for that. 

• When can we expect re-opening of cinemas? 

The re-opening of cinemas completely depends on the situation of Covid-19 in the country. We would ideally like it to open within a month at least in the green zones to start with. Rest can follow as per the crisis is contained in respective areas.

• What measures would cinema halls be taking in future? 

The pandemic has arouse a need for special safety measures that need to be taken for the well being of the staff and the patrons. In order to continue the fight against Covid-19 we have a plan in place to adhere the social distance guidelines laid by the authorities, below are a few pointers:

• Scheduled reminders for washing hands at a regular interval
• Staff to ensure no crowding takes place inside or near the cinema premises
• Sanitize, frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, desk, drawer etc.
• Entry permitted only to the people who have Arogya Setu app on their phones
• Tickets to be sold keeping 1 seat distance within a group and atleast 3 seats distance between 2 separate groups
• Promote Online and digital money transaction, to limit cash handling
• Install markings in the cinema to ensure 1 meter distance between two personnel

There are quite a lot of precautionary measure set in place to fight the pandemic and remain safe, mentioned above are just a few of them. 

• What makes SRS cinemas different from others? 

At SRS cinemas, we strive to provide the best possible services at affordable prices. We believe in delivering a top-notch cinematic experience even in the Tier II & III cities. SRS Cinemas is the cinema for the masses and our prime focus is ultimate customer satisfaction. We go all-out to make the film experience memorable at SRS cinemas. We put-in continuous efforts to make SRS a value for money movie experience.

• A message to the audience and our countrymen?

This is a tough time for everyone, we need to stand united and face this crisis and not turn against each other. The most important thing is to eliminate any and all negative thoughts from your mind and have faith. The government and front-line workers are doing the best they can and we must support them in every possible way. Be patient, this too shall pass. The time will come when people will go to the cinema halls for true cinematic experience.