Amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the Indian film industry heaved a sigh of relief when the government allowed theatres to reopen last year in October with 50% occupancy. Many, however, were waiting for the number of people allowed in theatres to be increased. Things finally seem to be getting back on track as on Wednesday, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced new guidelines permitting theatres higher occupancy effective from February 1.

Shibasish Sarkar, CEO, Reliance Entertainment says, “This is definitely encouraging. Even when the capacity was 50%, we were considering releasing at least Sooryavanshi or '83 at the end of March or first week of April. So, this makes our thought process more concrete.”

Lauding this “positive decision”, Kamal Gianchandani, CEO PVR Pictures Ltd, feels this will be useful for South Indian films which are lined up for February to begin with. Trade expert Atul Mohan says now there can’t be any excuse to hold back those big budget films. “We’re hoping for the cap to go up to 75% at least. Filmmakers should be ready for the litmus test,” he says.

Highlighting how big films need to hit screens soon to enhance the business, Sanjay Ghai, COO, Distribution and Exhibition, North, Mukta Arts Ltd, says, “We’re already on ventilators, makers of big films should understand that... I hope this move will motivate states like Rajasthan and Jharkhand to allow film theatres to function.”

While all eyes are on the increase in seating capacity, Tips Industries chairman and managing director Kumar Taurani hopes for some relaxation regarding the allowance of food and beverage inside the theatres in. Film exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi reveals one of the discussion points regarding the seating arrangement was to keep a seat vacant between every unit. “By unit we mean a family, couple or group of friends. Now, let’s see what details emerge,” he says.

Calling it “a fantastic move by the government”, Milap Zaveri, writer-director, feels the audience is hungry for big commercial cinema. “Once the big films release, audiences will flock to theatres in large numbers,” he says. Rathi and Sarkar, too, agree that the audiences are ready, so the time is right now.