"As cinemas across several states reopen after seven months, civil defence volunteer Mahipal Singh gives a first-hand account of watching Thappad at Delhi multiplex in the new normal"

Alternate seating was employed in the theatre
I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to watch Thappad with my team at PVR Naraina Delhi on Thursday. There was no sense of fear — as a part-time civil defence volunteer who helped in the distribution of food and masks among the needy, I would often step out during the lockdown. In fact, the movie buff in me was thrilled to watch a film in a theatre after so many months. The 3 pm show was organised by the government for the COVID-19 frontline warriors. There were 52 people in the auditorium, including members of the health department.
Stepping into a cinema after eight months, I realised things have changed completely. We are so used to seeing theatres bustling with people; it was surreal to see only few faces. The implementation of guidelines began right from the parking lot where only alternate parking slots could be used. When taking the lift, only three people were allowed at a time, and we had to be mindful of maintaining the one-and-a-half arm distance.