With the pandemic cases slowly rising in Kerala again, thanks to the third wave of the coronavirus – Minister of Culture, Saji Cherian has stated that theatres will only open in the state during or after the month of December, at least. Of course, this means that big-budget Malayalam films such as ‘Marakkar: Lion of The Arabian Sea‘, ‘Thuramukham’, among others are going to get postponed. According to the latest news, ‘Marakkar’ will get an exclusive three-week solo-run in the theatres, once it becomes safe for a 100 per cent admittance and night shows.
The Mohanlal starrer, ‘Marrakar: Lion of The Arabain Sea’ has held strong so far and it will not accept a direct-to-OTT release for any amount of cash. For a big-budget film such as this movie, its true success can only be measured in box office numbers and the production company is willing to let even 2021 pass by for that to happen. Multiple theatre owners are rewarding that steadfast loyalty by providing the aforementioned three-week exclusive solo run.
The Covid Test Positivity Rate (AKA TPR) is above 15 per cent. According to the Minister, theatre re-opening within the state can only be considered once the TPR falls below 8 per cent. With the rising number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in Kerala as well as the emergence of the third wave of the coronavirus, it is not safe for theatres to open during times like this.
This announcement is just more bad news for the Kerela theatres and distributors. They had been incurring losses in crores of Rupees and we wouldn’t be surprised if popular film chains will stop displaying films altogether by the time 2022 rolls around. Even with the promise of big-budget films like ‘Marakkar’, ‘RRR’ and many more holding out for a theatrical release, many of these cinema hall owners will not be able to pay their employees, taxes and pay off their loans for much longer either.