Tamil Nadu government has given permission for the theatre owners to re-open cinema halls from November 10 with 50 per cent occupancy. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, cinema halls were closed for almost eight months.

Government has allowed theaters to open across the state including Chennai with new rules and restrictions in place. The state government has clearly stated that the cinema and multiplex located in the Containment Zone will not be allowed to be reopened.

Many theaters in the state carried out disinfection measures at various cinema theatres in preparation for screening. The theatres will function with only 50% occupancy and preventive measures like use of hand sanitizers, temperature screening, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing etc., will be enforced strictly.

Multiplexes like PVR Cinemas and SPI Cinemas have opened their movie bookings at their premises. However, theatre owners have expressed concern that with no new film releases having been scheduled any time soon, it will dampen the response from the public.

Tamil Film Active Producers Association (TFAPA), announced on Monday that there will be no new Tamil movie releases until the Virtual Print Fee (VPF) charges demanded by digital service providers are taken care of by the theatre owners. So the multiplexes have decided to play the old hit movies.

Hit movies like Vijay's 'Bigil', Ajith's 'Vishwasam', Ashok Selvan's 'Oh My Kadavule' and Dulquer's 'Kannum Kannum Kollayadithaal' have been scheduled in the multiplexes along with Harish Kalyan’s 'Dharala Prabhu'. Hollywood movies like '1917', 'Joker', and 'My Spy' are also planned for screening in few halls.“We would have expected a better response from public if there were new film releases. Now, since we will screen only films that are already released, the response may not be as good,” said Rajasekaran, manager, Ambiga Theatre. Some theatre owners are not too keen on reopening as there are no new film releases.

Meanwhile, in Tuticorin, speaking to reporters, minister for information and publicity, Kadambur C Raju, said that all theatres will be strictly monitored by respective district and corporation officials for Covid-19 safety. “District collectors have been informed of the SOPs for theatres and officials will carry out inspections to ensure Covid-19 safety precautions are followed. In case they are not followed, strict action will be taken,” he said.