“We are in talks with Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur Raju who had promised us good news soon. We are ready to open theatres and ensure safety for the people,” Tirupur M Subramaniam, President, Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association, told DT Next. 

“Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has been intimated and he will make the formal announcement of reopening theatres soon,” Kadambur Raju said. Though the 50% occupancy rule has raised some concerns, theatre owners claimed that the reopening itself was a sign of hope. 

“Theatres, even before the lockdown, were partially occupied and only weekends saw a crowd. We need to step up safety measures after we open so that public feels safe,” Subramaniam said. C Ganesh, proprietor, Kamala Cinemas, Chennai, said that they are ready to open following rules issued by the State government. 

“We will certainly not charge people for two seats and are ready to absorb the losses. We also have to provide safety and hygiene to win people’s trust. Once we open, we would have odd-seat occupancy for a show and even-seat occupancy for another. Like how people who have consumed alcohol in theatres are denied entry, people without masks and without proper sanitisation will also be denied entry. We will keep a watch if they are flouting norms by changing their seats once the show begins. If they do, they will be sent out,” said Ganesh. 

Earlier, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar had said cinema halls shall be allowed to open with 50% capacity only and people will maintain one-seat distance. “Wearing masks at all times will be important,” he added. The Union minister also said that online booking of tickets will be encouraged but box office will be open for single-screen theatres. 

"Proper ventilation has to be ensured and temperature setting of all air conditioning should be above 23 degree Celsius,” he said. However, it may be a while before audiences get to see a new movie. Given the extreme caution, there is unlikely to be any fresh content in the next few months, industry insiders indicated.