Theatres can function with full capacity from today, and blockbuster-scale films are slated for release this week and the coming weeks.
Only 50 per cent occupancy was permitted since October 2020, and quite a few films were released. Cinema halls had filled up to the permitted capacity for the Kannada film ‘Act 1978’ and Tamil film ‘Master’.
D K Ramakrishna, president Karnataka Film Producers’ Association, is ecstatic about the government’s decision to allow full occupancy.
“This gives confidence to people. We will make sure all the guidelines are followed,” he told Metrolife.
Karnataka Film Theatre Owners’ Association president K V Chandrashekar says, “We need all the categories of people to come to the theatres.”
Prajwal Devraj-starrer ‘Inspector Vikram’, ‘Pogaru’ with Dhruva Sarja and ‘Roberrt’ with Darshan in the lead, are among the first big Kannada films set for release.
A multiplex manager is optimistic the stars will lure the crowds back. “For big releases, we are expecting 80-90 per cent occupancy for at least a week from the date of release,” he says.
On crowd management, he says, “There is a gap of 45 minutes between two shows and we are planning the interval accordingly to avoid people gathering in the lobby.”
Film buffs are not sure it is safe to go to the cinema halls.
Entrepreneur and regular movie-goer Deekshit J says many livelihoods are dependent on theatres, but there must be no compromise on social distancing.
Sportswoman Harshitha M, who used to visit theatres once a month, fears people may not follow social distancing.
Screening story
As 2020 drew to an end, Kannada films like ‘Act 1978’ and ‘Arishadvarga’ took the plunge and went in for a theatrical release. The response was said to be positive, but subsequent films did not do so well.
After a gap of about seven months, screenings began about a month after Unlock 5.0 guidelines were issued in October 2020, allowing operations with 50 per cent capacity.
In the meantime, many films with big Tamil stars like Surya (Soorarai Pottru) were released on OTT.
Director Akash Srivatsa, says the film industry is like any other. “Everything else has opened up, and it is great that cinemas too can function at 100 per cent capacity,” he says.
Timeline
Oct 2020: Centre allows theatres to open with 50 per cent occupancy
Jan 30, 2021: Centre allows theatres to open with 100 per cent occupancy
Feb 2: Karnataka says 50 per cent occupancy rule will continue till February 28.
Feb 3: State government bows to pressure and allows 100 per cent occupancy from February for a period of four weeks. Further details are awaited.