Finally, the silver-screens have brightened up once again, as theatres reopened their doors (except in a few states including Maharashtra) from October 15, after being shut for over seven months. But people’s response, across the country, has been “quite subdued”. Experts contend “it’s too early to arrive at a conclusion”, and also, that “non-availability of new content is a major reason”.

As of now, old Hindi films such as Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Thappad, Good Newwz, Chhichhore, Dream Girl, Malang and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan have hit various theatres across the country, besides English movies such as My Spy and 1917. Analysts, on their part, believe that “signs of recovery will start to show only after at least four to six weeks.”

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “The fear of Coronavirus is still around. Right now, people are worried about their safety and security. Entertainment is the last thing on their minds. The real litmus test would be when biggies like ’83 or Sooryavanshi open.”

In terms of fresh movies, only Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari has been announced as the Diwali release. But insiders feel the lucrative Diwali period is also going to be “quite tepid” with no biggie lined up. Exhibitor-distribitor Akshaye Rathi, on his part, feels considering that only “old films are running in theatres, the response has been very encouraging”.

While West Bengal’s theatres are likely to see some fresh Bengali releases around Durga Puja, new Hindi ones such as Indoo Ki Jawani, Bunty Aur Babli 2 and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar etc., may hit the big screens in the coming days, besides '83 which is supposed to open around Christmas.

Theatre owners, though, are “hopeful”. “We are fully aware that it’s going to take time (for people to come back in big numbers). Also, there is no fresh film right now. I am confident that new, engaging content will expedite the process of normalcy,” says Chinmoy Sharma, owner of Assam-based Anuradha Cinema.