Kerala theatres set to reopen; Master likely to be first big release
Theatres will resume operations from January 13 while maintaining 50 per cent occupancy and following the necessary Covid-19 guidelines
It's time for Malayali movie buffs to celebrate. After a long 10-month wait, theatres will reopen in Kerala on January 13. The announcement came after a fruitful meeting between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Malayalam film associations.
The Chief Minister had announced on New Year that theatres could resume operations from January 5 while maintaining 50 per cent occupancy and following the necessary Covid-19 guidelines.
However, the Film Exhibitors Union of Kerala (FEUOK), Kerala Film Producers Association, and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce were reluctant to get back to business unless their demands, such as the waiver of the entertainment tax and reduction of the fixed electricity charges, were met. The state government has agreed to these demands. However, the theatres are not permitted to run second shows.
In a statement, the CM said, "Exempted cinema theatres from entertainment tax from Jan to Mar (2021). Fixed electricity charges reduced by 50% for the 10 months during when theatres were closed. Validity of various licenses extended. Our creative industries will play a crucial part in the recovery."
As per reports, Vijay's much-anticipated Tamil film Master is likely to be the first big release. It will be released in Kerala on the same day as Tamil Nadu.
An announcement regarding the pending Malayalam releases will be made after a meeting of the concerned producers soon.
