Modi’s biopic to first hit screens when cinemas reopen on Oct 15

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biopic will be the first Bollywood movie to hit Indian theatres when multiplexes across the country reopen on October 15 after nearly seven months.

The movie that maps Modi's journey from his early days as a volunteer of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh to his rise as the Chief Minister of the western state of Gujarat and eventually India's Prime Minister was originally released last year.

The movie's producer Sandip Singh announced the re-release date on social media on Saturday, according to a report on UNB.

"PM Narendra Modi has been the best Prime minister of the country, which was proven in the 2019 elections. What can be better than watching the inspiring story of the most inspiring leader of today's times, as theatres re-open," he wrote.

"I'm proud to be a part of this historical moment! Moreover, due to some political agendas, when it last released, the film couldn't be watched by many. We're hoping the film gets a fresh life in the theatres and makes for a great watch for the people of the nation," he said.

This week, India's Ministry of Home Affairs allowed opening of multiplexes across the country, except in containment zones, but with certain riders, including screenings being limited to 50 per cent capacity.

Customers' temperatures will be taken, and masks will have to be worn at all times by both cinema goers and staff. Tickets must be purchased online and separate groups of customers will have to sit at least two metres apart. Under the restrictions no food or drinks will be allowed to be served in cinemas.

The decision to allow cinemas to open has come as a major relief to the beleaguered theatre owners, who had last month took out a full-page ad in Indian newspapers claiming that the industry had suffered losses of up to $1.2 billion in the last six months.

"However, we are also worried about our future as many Bollywood movies have already been snapped up by streaming platforms. We now stare at an uncertain future. Small-time cinema halls have already downed shutter. We demand a stimulus from the government to help us tide over the crisis," said Ravi Malhotra, a manager of Inox Cinemas.