HYDERABAD: The
Telugu film industry is not in favour of reducing
theatre occupancy in the wake of rising
Covid cases in the state.
The film industry bounced back with a couple of hits in recent times after recovering from the Covid restrictions. “There is 100% occupancy in theatres for films. At this juncture, the government should not think of reducing occupancy,” Telangana state film chamber of commerce president K Muralimohan said.
Film theatres were shut due to Covid between March and December 2020, . Initially while 50% occupancy was allowed, later 100% occupancy was permitted.
Single theatre owners and also multiplexes reported that there has been good response to cinema as such. As many as four films released on a single day on March 19 and some of them had waited only for theatres to open so that they could have a theatrical release. Some film-makers are going out of their way to tell audiences that they do not intend to release films on OTT and that they should enjoy the films on the big screen.
The
Telugu film industry looks busy as films starring some big heroes are expected to be released especially during April-May-June as the holiday season for students brings a large percentage of audience to watch films.
“If any restrictions are imposed on the occupancy again, big budget films which are planning a theatrical release during the summer months will take a beating. Since Covid vaccination is also being done and the number of people getting vaccinated is also more, theatres should be allowed to function with 100% occupancy,” Muralimohan said. Theatres owners said they were strictly adhering to Covid norms.