The deadly coronavirus outbreak was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with at least 74 cases confirmed in India. 

Today Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that theatres across the city will remain closed till March 31 and with two Bollywood films, Homi Adajania’s Angrezi Medium and Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi lined up for release, Bollywood is all set to feel the ramifications of the outbreak.

Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh spoke to Hindustan Times about the same and said, "This is shocking. This will definitely have repercussions in the entertainment industry. Delhi is a major city and a big contributor to the business of films. Films will not release, the producers will have to put a stop to it. How can someone let go of Delhi? We are talking about crores and crores."

In addition to this, Mohan Umrotkar, CEO of Carnival Cinemas, also released a statement and said, "The impact of coronavirus on the business and general life shall be significant. We support the cause of the prevention of COVID-19. Carnival Cinemas is taking all the possible precautions like hand sanitizers at all entry and exit levels, gloves and better hygiene measures at all our outlets, regional and head offices. Our staff has been briefed on how to handle the situation in case of an emergency."

Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi also chimed in about the situation at hand, "Healthcare of people is extremely important, but having said that, to issue orders for a blanket shutdown of theatres across the country is not a solution. Delhi would affect the decision of a lot of other states, as well. Every producer owes funds to studios and very often, interest too. If a film is delayed by six months, there is also a cost that has to be factored in. It’s for every producer to analyse what impact a delay would have, compared to having a slightly fractured release. For a film like Sooryavanshi, the stakes are high, because it’s a big-budget film and there are takers for such films not just in big cities but in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, as well," he said.