KOCHI: Theatre owners in the state on Tuesday announced that the theatres will reopen next week after completing the cleaning and maintenance works. While stating that the hike in ticket rates is not under consideration, owners added they are expecting other benefits from the government.

Though the government had permitted to reopen the theatres from today, FEUOK, the organization of theatre owners, decided to reopen the theatres only after the present uncertainty is cleared.

On Monday, the health department had issued guidelines for opening cinema theatres in the state. As per the guidelines, the working hours of the theatres should be between 9 am and 9 pm, and people should be seated in alternate seats only.