Film industry pins hope on 2021 as theatres resume 100 pc occupancy
New Delhi/Mumbai:
The big-ticket movies were missing and houseful' signs still a dream but with several states opening their doors to 100 per cent occupancy, the corona-battered film industry hopes to put behind the dismal 2020 with a slate of new releases.
On Sunday, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar released a new set of SOPs to ensure smooth functioning of cinema halls and permitted 100 per cent occupancy from February 1. The decision has brought cheer with theatre chain owners, distributors and producers calling it a much needed impetus for the recovery process of their industry.
With cinema halls shut for much of 2020, producers had stalled the release of big film such as Akshay Kumar starrer Sooryanvanshi , Ranveer Singh's 83 and Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chaddha . But that could all change now and 2021 could well be the year of cinema entertainment' with more than 50 films lined up for theatrical release, said industry insiders looking to recover quickly from the losses of the year that was.
"It's a very positive move by the government, and it's a big shot in the arm. It will give impetus to the recovery process of the film business, Kamal Gianchandani, CEO PVR Pictures, told PTI.
A lot of producers, especially of big films who were unsure about the capacities and when the government would restore capacity to 100 per cent, would feel encouraged to go ahead and release their big films and mid-size films," Gianchandani added.
Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are among the states that have permitted 100 per cent occupancy after the Centre's decision. Since the new protocol was released only a day earlier, he said it will take another 10-15 days before all states can issue the same model.
Rajender Singh Jyala, chief programming officer, INOX Leisure Ltd, was also hopeful that this signals a return to normalcy. The relaxation in seating capacity, he said, will help producers plan the release date of their movies.
"We already had our eyes set on the marvellous content line up for the next 12 months, and therefore we have been saying that year 2021 is the Year of Cinema Entertainment the industry is poised to see major blockbusters at regular intervals throughout the year," Jyala said.
Both Gianchandani and Jyala, representing among the biggest multiplex chains in the country, said they have been in touch with producers through these difficult months.
Producer Monisha Advani, co-founder of Emmay Entertainment said the government's decision to open up halls is a reflection of things getting back to normalcy.
"We look forward to welcoming back audiences and expect that a number of films that were held back and are made for this format will be back to entertain India," Advani told PTI.
(PTI)
