Theaters closed in mid-March last year. The theaters reopened in early January, about 10 months later. Many movies were not released in theaters during this period but only came out as online releases. It was released on Amazon in Malayalam movies including Drishyam 2. Only a handful of films, such as The Master, received a good response in theaters. It has a master collection of around Rs 250 crore. It was then that the second wave of Kovid, larger than the first wave, occurred. Theaters closed again.
But it seems that this time there will be no need to wait for ten months like last time. Theaters are set to reopen from tomorrow. Admission will be only 50 per cent. Maharashtra has the highest number of Kovid cases reported daily. Maharashtra is all set to open its first theaters in India after the second wave. The expectation it gives to other states is huge.
At present, less than 20,000 cases are coming every day in Kerala alone. The test positivity rate is less than 15%. Therefore, the situation in Kerala is expected to return to normal within the next one month. Moreover, the vaccine is now being given rapidly. Therefore, it is said that the Kovid situation can be eradicated from Kerala immediately. It is hoped that the theaters will reopen in Kerala as well.
In Kerala, very few movies filled the theaters after the opening. Two films starring Mammootty were released after the opening of the theaters. These were the films Priest and One. The pictures received excellent reviews. Arat, starring Mohanlal in the lead role, is yet to be released. The film Burrows, directed by Mohanlal for the first time, is being shot. The movie will hit theaters next Christmas.
