MUMBAI: Watching a movie in a theatre is a different experience in itself and nothing can beat that. And in the past six months, we all have missed it and how. So, now that the government has announced that cinemas can operate from October 15 onwards, the excitement amongst the audience is no less. But actor Himansh Kohli says though he missed the big-screen experience, he will not go to one immediately and will wait to see the after-effects once it opens. 

The actor, who will soon be seen in "Boondi Raita", and his family had tested positive for COVID last month. Though he has tested negative, he doesn't want to take any risk.  

"Even I missed it badly and it's so good that cinemas are reopening and they will get a chance to curb their losses. But, if you ask me if I'll go right on the first day, no, not really. I love watching films but, I'd rather wait for some time and see the after-effects, rather than going in blindly. A surge in the number of cases has been observed every time public places are reopened. I don't want to take a chance on myself or my family with the same risk again. One face-off with COVID was bad enough," he said.

As per the government-approved protocols, cinemas can operate with 50% of seating, only packaged food will be allowed, face masks and thermal screening will be mandatory, show timings will be staggered and the audience will have to share their contact number for contact tracing. Himansh added, "Apart from the government issued guidelines, proper sanitation should be maintained. Contactless movie experience in the truest form following all safety guidelines."

He also feels that the cinemas should allow carrying food and snacks from home as it's not safe to eat from outside. He added, "The lesser contact, the better. Restrictions can be kept on carrying only personal size portions so that people don't break social distancing rules while sharing food."

Himansh, lastly, said that he hopes that the opening of cinemas can set a good example.

"I just hope that the reopening of cinemas should be a good example of how businesses should operate during this outbreak."