Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to permit 100 per cent seating capacity in theatres. The state government issued a directive on January 4 to remove the 50 per cent cap on occupancy in cinema halls. This will give a boost to the struggling Tamil film industry. The government permits the 100 per cent seating capacity in three and multiplexes while following Covid-19 protocols. This move comes after popular actors Vijay and Silambarasan requested that theatres be allowed to function at full capacity as new movies are ready to release during the Pongal festival.
Tamil Nadu Permits Cinema Halls To Operate At 100 Percent Capacity
Tamil superstar Vijay personally met Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami to request for theatres to operate at 100 per cent capacity as new movies will release during and after the Pongal celebrations. Vijay’s film Master will release during the Pongal holidays. Actor Silambarasan also urged for the same as his movie Eeswaran will also release then. So, the state government removed the 50 per cent cap on theatre occupancy after both these prominent actors requested them for the same.
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Actors Vijay & Silambarasan Urged The State Government To Make This Move To Revive the Tamil Film Industry
According to Times Now, the Tamil Nadu government states in its order “Now, therefore the government hereby permits to increase the seating capacity of cinemas/theatres/multiplexes from existing 50 per cent to 100 per cent by following the Standard Operating Procedure issued already.” So, Tamil Nadu becomes the first state in the country to permit theatres to operate at full capacity. But the 50 per cent cap continues to remain in neighbouring states.
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The News Minute reports that this move by the state government has garnered alot of criticism. Chennai already faces a rise in COVID-19 cases after the New Year and Christmas celebrations at 5-star hotels like – ITC Grand Chola and Leela Palace. Earlier, when the seating capacity was 50 percent in theatres, people could maintain social distancing easily. But now at 100 percent capacity, there will not be any social distancing in a closed air-conditioned space like a theatre. Well, now only time and experience can tell whether this is a good move or not. Meanwhile, if you’re a movie buff, here are 6 Bollywood movies that will inspire you to travel.