The union government has allowed 100% occupancy starting from February 1 as per guidelines released on Saturday by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
"Seating arrangement inside the auditorium of the cinemas/theaters/multiplexes is to be allowed upto 100% seating capacity," the ministry said in its guidelines.
In a tweet, Akshaye Rathi, film distributor and exhibitor said, “100% capacity permitted in cinema halls from 1st February. Hope this can open the floodgates for films to announce their release dates and bring audiences back to cinemas in massive numbers."
Sincere thanks to Shri @AmitShah Shri @BhallaAjay26 Shri @PrakashJavdekar ji & everybody at the @PIBHomeAffairs & @MIB_India for permitting cinema halls to start operating with 100% capacity! This would play a crucial role in the sector’s resurrection. #CinemasAreBack #Movies
— Akshaye Rathi / अक्षय राठी (@akshayerathi) January 30, 2021
The MIB has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which said no film shall be screened in containment zones, adequate physical distancing shall be followed with masks wearing as mandatory. It also mentions that at times Aarogya Setu app can be installed.
Reportedly, now films whose release was stalled owing to the pandemic will be released starting from February. Sooryavanshi is one such film starring Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar in lead roles.