Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government is contemplating to allow theatres and multiplexes in the State to run full house from Oct. 2. A decision will be taken in this regard in a day or two.

Dr. K. Sudhakar, Minister for Health, said that the Government is concerned about the plight of theatre owners and exhibitors as they are suffering huge losses due to the COVID restrictions. 

“The film industry too suffered financial setbacks. We are positive and will take a decision in 2-3 days after consulting Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai,” he said. 

“We don’t want one activity to lead to a spurt in cases; in that direction we will take a decision. In two-three days we will discuss with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC-consisting of experts), following which the CM along with senior Ministers will take a final decision,” he added.

Dr. Sudhakar further stated that the COVID positivity rate in Karnataka has been on a decline. We are seeing 600 to 800 positive cases per day in the State on an average. The positivity rate has been less than 1 percent. The number of death cases has also been reduced. The State Government is allowing activities in districts where there is less than 2 percent of positivity rate. Accordingly, a decision will be taken.

Responding to a question as to whether the atmosphere is now conducive to allow 100 percent seating in theatres, the Minister said, “Positivity is less and there aren’t too many deaths. We will have to consider all this.”

Along with allowing theatres to run to their full capacities, the discussion will also be held regarding reopening of pubs and swimming pools, Dr. Sudhakar said. Multiple delegations from the film industry and the Film Producers Associations have met Sudhakar and have been demanding to allow the full house shows. Presently, theatres and multiplexes are allowed to function with 50 percent occupancy.