Multiplexes are the most severely affected sectors. They have been subject to closures and restrictions due to the coronavirus epidemic. It is evident that many multiplexes remain closed despite being allowed reasonable flexibilities.Multiplexes continue to face difficult economic times. Players have taken drastic measures to reduce their expenses. Layoffs have caused financial hardship for employees, and cash burn has left balances with little income. Multiplexes have survived these tough times.It's not all lostThe international market is bringing out the best in the industry, despite all the doom and gloom. Multiplexes across the globe are experiencing increased footfalls, especially in countries where they have reopened. This is a sign of people's strong desire to watch movies and get their lives back on track. Domestic players expect a similar trend, riding on strong regional industries.Eastern markets lift sentimentFor Indian multiplexes, a comparison with South Korean and Japanese markets would be more appropriate. Both countries have strong film industries, including India. New reports suggest that even though there are strict time and occupancy restrictions, new releases are well received.Japan's cinema industry is optimistic about a quick recovery after they are fully operational. This optimism is based upon the trend of rapid recovery last year, when theatres were only briefly open. 'Demon SlayerKimetsu No Yaiba: Mugen Train' was the most popular film released in this time period.The lack of content and operational problems in South Korea have caused a decline in the industry's optimism. Multiplexes offer discounts to moviegoers who have been vaccinated to increase footfall. Despite this, major releases such as Demon SlayerKimetsu No Yaiba The Film: Mugen Train have managed to draw large audiences. Vin Diesel's F9 was also well received and became the third-highest-grossing South Korean film of the year.Western markets are boomingMultiplexes across the UK have also reopened, with strong box-office results. Sony's Peter Rabbit 2 reported the largest weekend collections since 2020, when the pandemic first hit. French cinemas also reopened with a bang selling 3,05,000 tickets on Day 1. This is the most successful reopening in Europe.A Quiet Place and Fast and Furious are popular in the US. The industry is anticipating movies such as Jungle Cruise, The Green Knight and Hitmans Wifes Bodyguard that will draw in large crowds.Multiplexes across the US are now allowing fully vaccinated people to take off their masks inside cinema halls. This is a sign that things have returned to normal. This should encourage more cinema-goers.Domestic dynamicsThe Indian market is much more bullish now than in 2020. They preferred to wait and see, uncertain of the public's reaction, after the initial lockdown. Producers aren't in a position for them to keep their titles and suffer further cash burn. Producers want to get their titles out and recover production costs as soon as possible.There are 15 movies of high-budget potential that are awaiting release. The huge demand for multiplexes in other markets will encourage producers even more.Bell Bottom, Akshay Kumar's first major Bollywood production after the pandemic, is expected to make a significant impact. It is expected that it will have a similar impact on the Southern industry as Vijay's Master after the second phase of lockdown.Master was able to get almost full occupancy in multiplexes, and he managed close to Rs 250 crore worldwide in collections.Other than Bell Bottom, Alia Bhatti's Gangubai Katiawadi, Ranveer Sing's 83, John Abraham’s Attack, and Telugu multi-starrer RRR will be the big movies to hit the screens in 2021.Multiplexes in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities are expected to reopen more quickly as a result of the vaccination drive. Producers will also be looking for a window to release around Diwali, while also keeping an eye on the coronavirus situation.Moneycontrol.com's experts do not represent the views or investment advice of the site. Moneycontrol.com recommends that users consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.
