Recently, in what can be called a major boost for the Tamil film industry, the Tamil Nadu government allowed a 100% occupancy of cinema halls. In a directive issued on Monday, the Tamil Nadu government scrapped the earlier 50% occupancy permit and increased it to a solid 100%, reports The Indian Express.
This comes after actor Thalapathy Vijay requested the Chief Minister to allow full occupancy of cinema halls, just before his movie ‘Master’ is about to release.
After this incident, a doctor named Aravinth Srinivas took to Facebook to write an open letter to the Tamil Nadu government, Thalapathy Vijay, and actor Silambarasan, whose film ‘Eeswaran’ is also set to make a release.
The doctor went on to express how thousands of medics like him are tired of trying to control the damage that the pandemic has caused. He called the 100% occupancy permit a “suicide attempt” and a “homicide” which might benefit a few but would cause trouble to several others.
Read the full letter here:
Other people online also have been questioning and condemning the step taken by the Tamil Nadu government. Many said that they are prioritising the box-office over public health.
India: Cinema theaters are poorly ventilated, indoor, crowded, prolonged exposure settings. I cringe at the thought of opening theaters without complete control over the viral spread.
Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. https://t.co/MhPcziMWgo
— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) January 5, 2021
With all due respect, I certainly worry- not about me but my fellow people. I wish everyone's health. Even those who stay home will be affected by those dont. And what about our poor healthcare workers, security etc? Even 5star hoteIs become Hotspots, what of a packed cinema ? https://t.co/MQbAbdVcBk
— Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) January 4, 2021
You can pour resources into trending #VijayTheMaster forever if you wish, but that does not change the fact that you – #Vijay, #Silambarasan & others in Kollywood – have prioritised box-office collections over public health in the middle of a pandemic. https://t.co/bXwwF2O0Hi
— Anna MM Vetticad (@annavetticad) January 5, 2021
There are times when 50% is way better than a 100%. This is one of them.
— arvind swami (@thearvindswami) January 4, 2021
This letter, being circulated on many groups deserves to be widely read. A resident doctor on the Tamil Nadu Govt's decision to allow 100% occupancy in movie theaters from the earlier 50%. Reel heroes have been pandered to but what about the real heroes? pic.twitter.com/oksxC9z5fL
— Chandra R. Srikanth (@chandrarsrikant) January 5, 2021
Should be 0%. Cinemas shouldn’t open. Anyhow, greed prevails over humanity, period. #ThisIsIndia https://t.co/arDZXhgtSt
— Nidin (@CookieRaider221) January 5, 2021
I hope better sense prevails and we show consideration towards our Covid Warriors i.e. Doctors, Policemen, Corporation officials etc..
Please reconsider the decision.. 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/lPa4Qj4Fmz
— GunduHuduga| ಗುಂಡು ಹುಡುಗ|🕉 (@GunduHuDuGa) January 5, 2021
Do you think it is safe for cinema halls to open with a 100% occupancy permit? Tell us.