The year 2020 saw too many unprecedented events — theatres remained shut for eight months, shoots came to a halt and business went for a toss. It was only in October that theatres opened, but to a tepid response. This year, however, is pegged to be the year when industry’s fortunes may change. Films such as Sooryavanshi, Laal Singh Chaddha, '83, Maidaan and Radhe: The Most Wanted Bhai shifted their release to 2021.

Actors, too, are eagerly looking forward to the charm of theatres coming back again. Ajay Devgn will be seen in three films — Maidaan, Sooryavanshi and RRR. Agreeing that while web emerged as a big help in these times, he believes what will lure audiences back now is only the experience a film offers. “That’s why we made Tanhaji (2020) on the scale that we did. By showing it to an audience in 3D, it became mandatory for people to visit cinema halls. I’m sure Aditya Chopra, Rohit Shetty and several others know this. Therefore, they’ll make films that should be seen in theatres only,” says Devgn, 51.

After Khaali Peeli last year, Ananya Panday has two films in 2021 — Shakun Batra’s next, and multi-lingual film Fighter. Vocal in her preference for a theatrical release, she says, “I’m hoping that for both my films. I’d love to watch a film again on the big screen, I miss that theatre experience, and nothing can replace that.”

Racing ahead of all is Taapsee Pannu, with five films coming up, including Rashmi Rocket and Haseen Dillruba, and she shares she said yes to all of them keeping in mind a theatrical experience. “These films have a strong story to be told and they’re all meant for community viewing and to be seen in a cinema hall, without any distraction,” she says.

Tahir Raj Bhasin, who’ll be seen in Looop Lapeta with Pannu, and the multi-starrer ‘83, too asserts that both these films have been made for the big screen experience.

Abhishek Bachchan, a big supporter of the cinemas, will be seen next in Bob Biswas. He says, “We make films for theatres. I can’t wait to get back into a cinema hall with a popcorn and cold drink. Obviously that’s the end goal. In the meantime, web is here to stay.”

Trade expert Atul Mohan says at this point, actors will of course prefer a theatrical release. “If they have waited for so long, I don’t think there’s any harm in waiting for some more time. A theatrical release is very important in an actor’s career, and defines where their stardom goes, and where they stand with the masses with each release. Fan following, market value, all are defined by box office, that’s the barometer,” he reasons.