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MORE PEOPLE IN THEATRES SOON: A RAY OF HOPE FOR MAKERS
Exhibitors, filmmakers are thrilled with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to allow more people in cinema halls, say they’re ready for big-budget films
No storm can ever snuff out the light within them. Shining the brightest in the gloomiest hour, they fearlessly blaze a trail for others to follow.
They are the trailblazers, committed to what they take up, what they believe in.
The Hindustan Times Trailblazer Award 2021 presented by Ambience has been instituted to honour eight such inspiring individuals from various walks of life whose courage and ability to think differently made a remarkable difference in the lives of others even as the world grappled with a deadly pandemic.
Believing in themselves, these trailblazers took risks and proved that the power of human
Amid the ongoing pandemic, the Indian film industry heaved a sigh of relief when the government allowed theatres to reopen last year in October with 50% occupancy. Many, however, were waiting for the number of people allowed in theatres to be increased. Things finally seem to be getting back on track as on Wednesday, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced new guidelines permitting theatres higher occupancy effective from February 1. Shibasish Sarkar, CEO of Reliance Entertainment, says, “This is definitely encouraging. Even when the capacity was 50%, we were considering releasing at least Sooryavanshi or ’83 at the end of March or first week of April. So, this makes our thought process more concrete.” Lauding this “positive decision”, Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures Ltd, feels this will be useful for south Indian films which are lined up for February, to begin with. Trade expert Atul Mohan says now there can’t be any excuse to hold back those big budget films. “We’re hoping for the cap to go up to 75% at least. Filmmakers should be ready for the litmus test,” he says.
Highlighting how big films need to hit screens soon to enhance the business, Sanjay Ghai, COO, Distribution and Exhibition, North, Mukta Arts Ltd, says, “We’re already on ventilators, makers of big films should understand that... I hope this move will motivate states like Rajasthan and Jharkhand to allow film theatres to function.”
While all eyes are on the increase in seating capacity, Tips Industries chairman and managing director Kumar Taurani hopes for some relaxation regarding the allowance of food and beverage inside the theatres in. Film exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi reveals one of the discussion points regarding the seating arrangement was to keep a seat vacant between every unit. “By unit we mean a family, couple or group of friends. Now, let’s see what details emerge,” he says.
Calling it “a fantastic move by the government”, Milap Zaveri, writer-director, feels the audience is hungry for big commercial cinema. “Once the big films release, audiences will flock to theatres in large numbers,” he says. Rathi and Sarkar, too, agree that the audiences are ready, so the time is right now. spirit is invincible, even in the face of distress. Driven by compassion and creativity, each of these incredible people made the nation proud with their phenomenal achievements in their realms.
We will soon be announcing the names of these key personalities who inspire one to never give in.
Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary people by honouring them with The Hindustan Times Trailblazer Award 2021.