West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Allows 100% Occupancy In Cinema Halls; Tamil Nadu Government Withdraws Its Order After Centre's Objection

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West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has permitted 100% seating capacity in cinema halls/ theaters during the week-long Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which was inaugurated on Friday (January 8). Currently, theaters in West Bengal and other states are operating with 50% occupancy in a view to the covid-19 pandemic.

"At present, because of the pandemic, only 50% occupancy in cinema halls is allowed. I would ask the state’s chief secretary to come up with a notification today so that 100% seats can be occupied", Banerjee said while addressing the inauguration of the 26th edition of the KIFF.



"I would urge cinema hall owners to ensure that people wear face masks and use hand sanitizers. Sanitization should be done after every show. Every audience should carry their own sanitizer or tissue paper. Nowadays you also get machines with which you can sanitize the entire hall in just five minutes", she added.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, the Tamil Nadu government which had issued a similar order to increase the occupancy in cinemas, theatres, and multiplexes to 100% capacity on January 4, has withdrawn its decision after centre's objection. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) objected TN government's order to increase occupancy and asked the state government to revoke its order saying it diluted the guidelines issued by the MHA.

However, the TN government has allowed theaters to screen extra shows. In October 2020, the Union Ministry had allowed theatres to operate at 50% occupancy and the same has been extended till January 31, 2021.

The announcement from the Tamil Nadu government to increase occupancy in cinema halls came a week after actor Vijay and the team of the upcoming film Master met with the TN Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Reportedly, during the meeting, they requested to allow 100 % seating capacity in theatres ahead of the release of their film. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Master will be released on January 13.

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