D.Govardan@timesgroup.com
Chennai: 05.01.2020
The TN government on Monday permitted cinema theatres and multiplexes to operate with 100% occupancy. The move would help new Tamil films, including actor Vijay’s ‘Master’ and T Silambarasan’s ‘Easwaran’, to garner better collections at the box office as they would be released ahead of the Pongal festival. While ‘Master’ would be released in 700 movie halls, ‘Easwaran’ would be screened in 300 theatres. The development comes in the wake of Vijay calling on CM Edappadi K Palaniswami late on December 27 and urging him to permit 100% occupancy in theatres.
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Subsequently, members of the Tamil Nadu Theatres Association too represented the state government seeking to remove the restrictions on audience allowed into theatres. Based on the directions of the ministry of home affairs, cinemas/theatres/ multiplexes were permitted to open from November 10, 2020, with 50% of their seating capacity by following the standard operating procedure. “Based on the decrease in Covid-19 cases day by day, the Theatre Owners Association have represented to the government to increase the seating capacity of cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes,” a state GO issued on Monday said, permitting the theatres to operate with full occupancy.
“In order to create awareness among spectators, precautionary measures for Covid-19 shall also be screened during the show time,” the GO said. While the Tamil film industry including actors welcomed the move, several people took to social media expressing fear that the relaxation could trigger a second wave, especially with a new strain of Covid making its presence felt in the state. They also cited the instances of a few hotels in Chennai emerging as new clusters.
“This is a dangerous move that could backfire. It is a selfish move taken with the hope that actor Vijay and his fans would extend their support at the time of assembly elections. Do not sacrifice the lives of Tamils for political gains,” senior Congress leader and former MP Peter Alphonse tweeted.
Actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar thanked CM Palaniswami and information and publicity minister Kadambur C Raju. “Film industry will flourish by leaps and bounds and come back to give best entertainment, being one of the largest economy generating field,” she tweeted. Khushbu also had a message to those who are worried over the decision. “Those who have different opinions on 100% capacity functioning of cinemas, only one message for you. Pls don’t go if you are worried. Your fear is understandable and nobody forces you to come. Take care,” she tweeted.
Tirupur K Subramanian, a leading distributor and exhibitor cited instances of politicians having already undertaken their election campaigns, while people are crowding retail shops and public places. “The CM is campaigning. Opposition leader M K Stalin is conducting grama sabhas. People are crowding textiles and jewellery showrooms where they engage in face-to-face interactions. In theatres, at the most, the audience are going clap and laugh. The SOP will be strictly followed though other public places seldom follow these,” Subramanian said.
