Movies will start small and go big with 100 per cent occupancy

As 100 per cent occupancy returns, race begins in industry to put together a balanced calendar

On Sunday, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar announced that cinemas will be allowed to operate at 100 per cent occupancy from February 1, thus spreading cheer among the film industry and exhibition sector. Trade analysts believe the latest decision will give producers the much-needed confidence to bring out the big guns.

Tuesdays & Fridays

Getting audiences back in theatre depends on how quickly we put out compelling films. Master [Tamil film] grossed approximately Rs 200 crore from its theatrical run. It proved that people are waiting to return to movie halls,” begins trade analyst Akshaye Rathi. He cautions that only small offerings are lined up for the coming weeks — Monster Hunter on February 5, Tom and Jerry, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production Tuesdays & Fridays on February 19. “Now with 100 per cent occupancy, a fresh slew of announcements must follow,” adds Rathi.

Ranveer Singh's 83 was to originally release on April 10 last year

Only hours into the announcement, a change in release calendar began. Viineet Kumar Singh’s Aadhaar, which was poised for a February 5 release, stands postponed. The spokesperson of Jio Studios says, “To convert this opportunity into higher footfall, we need big films like Roohi Afzana and Mimi. Smaller films like Aadhaar can follow later.” 

Roohi Afzana features Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor

The recent development begs the all-important question: Will Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh’s 83 finally hit the marquee, almost 11 months after their originally intended release? “We have been planning to bring one of our movies in the last week of March or the first week of April. We are studying the cost of having held the films for a year and other commercials, and will soon announce the release dates,” promises Shibasish Sarkar, chief executive officer, Reliance Entertainment group.

Aadhaar's release is postponed

The new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in theatres includes mandatory use of masks, availability of touch-free hand sanitisers at entry and exit points, thermal screening of audience and staff, staggered shows, downloading the Aarogya Setu app and increased digital booking of tickets. Sarkar adds, “Around the globe, cinemas have opened from June. People will follow safety protocols. I don’t foresee theatres having an [adverse] impact on the control measures of the virus.”

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