Theaters in both the Telugu States remain closed even as the Central Government allowed them to operate at 50% occupancy. In Vizag, a couple of single screens and a multiplex have started the screenings without much public patronage. Some more theaters will re-open soon.
Now, the theaters in Vijayawada are all set to reopen. The exhibitors in the city have decided to resume operations with 50 percent capacity. They will screen the previous hits of the year like Sarileru Neekevvaru, Ala Vaikuntapurramuloo, Hit, Bheeshma, etc.
On the other side, the exhibitors of Hyderabad are yet to take a decision of re-opening the cinema halls. When they do, it will be like the biggest cities of both the Telugu States will see the opening of theaters. Probably, we may see a few theaters opening by Diwali.
As things stand today, all these efforts are to bring the audience to theaters. Tollywood is hoping that things would become normal by Sankranthi 2021. More than a handful of films are announced for the festive season release. Fingers crossed things will be normal by then.
