The world's second-largest cinema chain is also considering slashing rents and permanently closing UK cinemas after lockdown restrictions and a lack of blockbuster films caused business to collapse, the FT reported.

The company last month temporarily shut its U.S. and UK operations, leaving 45,000 people unemployed for the foreseeable future.

Cineworld did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside regular business hours.

(Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)