facebook Pintrest Cinemas have been in reboot mode for a few months now. On Sunday, the Ministry of Information and Broadasting released revised SOPs for cinemas, allowing them to operate at full capacity. Cinemas have been asked to follow all COVID-19 protocols and focus on staggered shows to avoid overcrowding. Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi, who has been on several panels that were in conversation with government bodies regarding the functioning of cinemas, says, “If you look at the footfall before this phase, it rarely came close to the 50 per cent cap that was mandated to us. The fact that we will now be allowed to seat halls to their capacities will make a huge difference. It will convince the producers of big-ticket ventures to release films in theatres. Honestly, a cinema hall will only do well when a film playing inside will do well. This new mandate of 100 per cent seating should open the flood gates for the big films to come back to the theatres. Looking at the way things have been going, I am quite sure every state will be happy to welcome 100-per cent-seating in cinemas. It’s fairly safe, which the government bodies are also convinced about. Groups, couples and families, who had to sit apart while watching a film in the theatre up until now, can sit together. This is a good time for the medium-budget entertainers to release and have a longer run at the box office. It will also keep the business prepared for the time when the bigger films like Sooryavanshi, 83, Jayeshbhai Jordar, Shamshera, Prithviraj, Bunty Aur Babli 2, Radhe and Satyameva Jayate 2 arrive.”