The momentum of this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr releases is facing an unexpected setback, as new government restrictions on evening operations in shopping malls begin to ripple through the cinema business.
Multiplexes housed within malls have started cancelling night screenings in line with directives to shut commercial spaces during specific hours. Blockbuster Cinemas was among the first to implement the change, with other chains quickly following suit.
For filmmakers, the timing could not be more critical. With Eid releases still drawing audiences well into their third week, directors and producers say the loss of evening shows threatens to derail the most commercially vital window of the festive season.
In a joint response, several industry figures acknowledged the broader circumstances behind the directive but cautioned against its unintended consequences. They pointed out that cinemas, though located within shopping complexes, function differently from retail outlets and should be treated as such.
Evening and late-night screenings have long been the backbone of box office returns during Eid, when families typically head to theatres after completing daytime engagements. Without access to these peak hours, industry insiders warn that audience turnout could drop sharply.
Filmmakers also recalled previous instances where cinemas were permitted to operate beyond standard market hours without disrupting public order. They argue that a similar exemption could strike a balance between regulatory needs and the sustainability of the film sector.
At stake are productions backed by substantial investments, many of which rely on festive crowds to break even. Industry stakeholders now fear that prolonged restrictions could not only affect current releases but also discourage future projects.
Calling for a reconsideration, filmmakers have urged authorities to allow cinema screenings to continue independently of retail closures, emphasising that such a move would support both audiences and the long-term health of the local film industry.
