Today is the first anniversary of Janatha Curfew which led to a major Lockdown and the Telugu film industry shut down for several months. We have the vaccine as a ray of hope, even though the worst is yet to over. Reports of a second wave are worrying the industry a lot.
The Telugu film industry is the first and only industry to recover after the pandemic. We had a busy time since Sankranthi with multiple releases every week. However, the reports of Second Wave are now giving sleepless nights to the producers.
As India stares at the second Covid wave, 46,951 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours – the biggest single-day jump since November 7 has happened with Maharashtra recording 30,535 new infections. Telangana shares borders with Maharashtra and the cases are also increasing in the state.
There are reports that the State Government is contemplating a partial Lockdown. Among various other measures under consideration, the shutdown or 50% occupancy in the theaters is also mooted by the Government, the reports suggest.
The small and medium films will easily take 50% occupancy. But starting from April 9th, we have a slew of big films coming up this summer and they will feel this a big jolt. The small and medium films should fill the space but it will also depend on various other factors. The industry can not afford to lose a season like a summer which is crucial for the industry in a calendar year. If the government decides to completely shut down the theaters, it will be a bloodbath.
