Bowing to pressure from the film industry, the Karnataka government on Wednesday allowed 100% occupancy in theatres for four weeks, with a caveat.
If a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases is observed among filmgoers, the decision will be revoked, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar. A government order to this effect will be issued on Thursday.
Though the announcement was made after a meeting between senior actors, film chamber representatives and Covid-19 technical advisory committee members, sources said it was purely a political decision.
"The technical committee wanted a graded approach but the government has gone ahead and given a complete, unrestricted occupancy of theatres. Now the responsibility is on the government. Even schools were given a graded opening, no institution was opened 100% right away. This is a political decision and the government has bowed to the pressure of the industry. It is more of an experiment now. We have to wait and watch for the next four weeks," a source requesting anonymity said.
A group of film representatives, including actors Shiva Rajkumar and Tara, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president D R Jairaj, producer Sa Ra Govindu, along with Information and Broadcasting Minister C C Patil held an hour-long meeting on Wednesday evening with the members of the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee in the presence of the health minister and arrived at the decision.
On Tuesday, the state's guidelines said the cap of 50% seating capacity for theatres will continue till February 28 even as the Centre on February 1 had permitted houseful shows. This was done "after reviewing the current scenario of Covid-19 and also considering the possible second wave" and as "a matter of abundant precaution and in the larger interest of public health".
Explaining the U-turn, Sudhakar said, "The film industry opposed Tuesday's decision from the point of view of industry workers and film producers, saying they have already suffered financially over the past year. They say they have had challenges in even earning a livelihood. The industry employs one lakh people. If the government doesn't back them now, it will be difficult for them, they conveyed. That is why we have allowed 100% occupancy for four weeks with stringent safety precautions."
"If there is any rise in the number of Covid-19 cases among filmgoers, we will be forced to change our decision. This has been conveyed to film representatives," said Sudhakar.