The exhibition sector, which was slowly getting back on its feet in late 2021, was dealt another blow by the third wave of the pandemic. Amid a surge in cases in late December, cinemas in Delhi were shut while night curfews were imposed in Mumbai, leaving the theatrical business bleeding again. But now, with the case count declining significantly, trade analysts believe the big movies lined up for February will be a shot in the arm for the sector.

While Badhaai Do opens on February 11, cinema owners have their eyes peeled for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi that hits screens a fortnight later. Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 multiplex and Maratha Mandir, says, “When Pushpa [2021] had released, all our night shows were house-full [at 50 per cent occupancy]. But when the night curfew was imposed, we suffered terribly. Now that the night curfew has been lifted, fresh films are the need of the hour. The plot of Badhaai Do may not appeal to [a wide audience], but Gangubai Kathiawadi will hopefully spin some magic. For us, it’s the most-awaited film.”

Distributor Akshaye Rathi is confident that Badhaai Do will strike a chord with the urban audiences, luring them back to the theatres. “It’s the sequel of a successful film. It is an interesting premise that caters to an evolved audience,” he reasons.

However, Rathi notes that the box-office performance of the Alia Bhatt-starrer will be the litmus test. “Gangubai Kathiawadi has the biggest female star on screen. With Bhansali’s craft and vision, and Ajay Devgn’s presence, the film will pull more than just respectable numbers. Couple that with Ajith’s Valimai, and it will be a weekend to watch out for.”

He points out that there is an air of optimism in the exhibition sector. Filmmakers, on their part, are putting their money where their mouth is by lining up massy entertainers back-to-back. “There is a massy flick in Khiladi [Telugu]. After that, Gangubai and Valimai will hit the screens. With Bachchan Pandey, Radhe Shyam and RRR, we will end the financial year on a significant high. This is an important season at the box-office.”