Tamil Nadu government’s decision to allow 100 per cent occupancy in theaters received brickbats and bouquets. Even as the public were divided on this move, the Central government, in a letter Wednesday night, asked the State government to reverse its order.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government to immediately issue necessary orders to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Central government.
TN government allowing 100 per cent occupancy in theaters came as a huge joy to Vijay fans as the actor’s ‘Master’ was set to be released on Pongal.
However, a section of the public and experts felt that the move was not necessary especially at a time when a new variant of coronavirus is spreading.
Those who supported the move said that many people are dependant on the revenue generated by the movie industry. “Not just those who are involved in the making of the movies. But also those in the theaters, even those in poster industries and many other indirect businesses are dependant on the release of the movies,” said Balaji, a fan.
They pinpoint that there is nothing wrong in allowing 100 per cent occupancy in theaters as already people have started gathering in malls and political meetings.
“Only such moves will give us a chance to resort to normalcy. Now that the vaccines are also made available such steps have to be taken. It is not like since the government has allowed 100 per cent occupancy everyone should come to the theaters. Those who are willing can come and those who do not can stay at home,” said Srikanth Rajagopalan, a youngster.
Those who oppose the move state that it will be difficult to track people if someone gets infected inside a theater.
“Recent reports state that many people are tested positive in hotels in Chennai. Atleast these people can be tracked down. However, this will not be the case with people who come to the theaters.
It will not be easy to find out if anyone infected is present inside the theater. Being inside a closed environment for close to three hours is not that advisable during a pandemic,” opined, Dhanalakshmi, an IT professional.
Though the government has stated that strict Covid-19 rules should be followed inside the theatre premises, it is not practically possible.
“People will not have their masks properly placed over their mouth and nose for three full hours. Cinema people asking 100 per cent occupancy is out of greed to make quick money. Running a movie with 50 per cent occupancy for more number of days will also generate the same revenue.
However, people do not want to wait for a long time, they want to make quick bucks risking the life of the people. It is said that the chances of movie piracy is high with 50 per cent occupancy which will stop people from coming to theaters. If piracy cannot be stopped in theaters, how does everyone expect to stop the prevention of coronavirus,” said Umesh, a social activist.
