Karnataka mulls reopening theatres with full capacity

Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Health on Tuesday informed that the government is concerned about the hardships of theatre owners and exhibitors and is contemplating reopening theatres and multiplexes in the state with full capacity. A decision in the matter would be made in one or two days. Theatres, multiplexes and the film industry at large across the country have suffered huge losses since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions.

"We are positive and will take a decision in 2-3 days after consulting Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai," he said.

Regarding the covid situation in the state, he said, "We are seeing 600 to 800 Covid positive cases per day in the state on an average. The positivity rate has been less than 1 per cent. The number of death cases has also been reduced. The state government is allowing activities in districts where there is less than 2 per cent of Covid Positivity rate. Accordingly, a decision will be taken."

Several delegations from the film industry and Film Producers Associations have met the Health Minister Sudhalar thus far demanding permission to conduct full-house shows. Sudhakar said that the government would stand with the film industry, exhibitors in this difficult time and discussions will be held with the technical expert committee in the matter. Reopening pubs and swimming pools would also be discussed.

Currently, only fifty per cent occupancy is allowed in theatres and multiplexes across the state.