CHENNAI: The
Tamil Nadu government on Monday permitted to increase the seating capacity in
cinemas and
multiplexes from the existing 50% to 100% by following standard operating procedures (SOP). The state government has issued an order in this regard.
It may be recalled that actor Vijay called on chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami in the latter’s camp office in Chennai on December 27 to request the government to lift the restriction on seating capacity. Vijay’s movie “Master” is likely to be released during the Pongal.
Chief secretary K Shanmugam issued the order, permitting 100% seating capacity in cinemas and multiplexes. He, however, insisted on the management to also screen
Covid-19 films during shows.
While Vijay’s fans, who were eagerly waiting for “Master” that was directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, welcomed the government’s order, several netizens criticised the government and opined that cinemas and multiplexes would turn into a super-spreader of the coronavirus.