Karnataka Film Chamber reacts on 3rd COVID wave warning, hopes for govt's permission on 100% seat occupancy

As the expert committee's September 15 warning of 3rd Covid wave is nearing, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) is now hoping that the government will come to its rescue.

On September 15, KFCC members met and gave a representation to the state government highlighting the fact that many theatres in B and C centers (semi-urban) and (rural) have either closed permanently or are on the verge of shutting down soon.

As over 600 theatres including single screens were hit badly since March 2020 and OTT took over to release films, the chamber opined that things will soon change as the feeling of watching films in theatres is different.

Talking to Asianet Newsable, NM Suresh, General Secretary said that the people are coming back to normal life and said that the government has given a green signal for its demand of 100% seat occupancy.

When asked about the warning by experts about the 3rd Covid wave and also allegations about the film industry putting its interest ahead of the people's safety, he said, 'bullshit!'

He also contended that the film industry will follow all the standard operating procedures (SoPs) issued by the government.

The film chamber's letter to CM highlighted that due to the closing of theatres nearly 20,000 workers' lives have been impacted and said in semi-urban and rural centers not all public can afford OTT platforms like NETFLIX or Amazon Prime and others to watch films.

The chamber also said that both Telugu and Tamil film industry is witnessing some good response following the respective state government's decision to allow 100% seat occupancy and stressed that as Karnataka also has less positive rate the same rule should be brought in here to save the film industry and single-screen theatres.