There is good news for all cinema lovers as movie theatres are opening from October 15, 2020, after almost a gap of six months. There are a few big Bollywood films that are scheduled to re-release this week and the list starts from Sushant Singh Rajput and Sara Ali Khan’s 2018 film Kedarnath, Ajay Devgn, Kajol and Saif Ali Khan’s period drama Tanhaji, Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar’s Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Taapsee Pannu’s Thappad, Disha Patani, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Khemu and Anil Kapoor’s Malang and Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff’s War.
Bollywood films Khaali Peeli, Hollywood film My Spy, Forces of Nature and The Rental, and Tamil film Ka Pae Ranasingam will become the first films to have a theatrical release with the reopening of cinema halls/multiplexes post the coronavirus lockdown. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s biopic will also see a rerun in the theatres.
PVR Cinemas would be opening around 496 out of its total 875 screens on October 15, while Carnival Cinemas would be opening around 110 out of its total 420 screens. Carnival Cinemas is planning to run older hits like Baahubali, PK, and Sairat till new offerings are available.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar announced standard operating protocols (SOPs). From installing and using Aarogya Setu App to sanitising the hall after every show, here are the detailed SOPs for visitors and staff.
- The physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times
- Face covers/masks are mandatory at all times
- There should be the availability of hand sanitizers, preferably in the touch-free mode, at entry and exit points as well as common areas within the premises
- Digital no-contact transactions should be the most preferred mode for issue/verification/payments for tickets, food, and beverages, etc. by using online bookings, use of e-wallets, QR code scanners, etc.
- The contact number shall be taken at the time of booking of tickets to facilitate contact tracing.
- Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.
- The thermal screening of visitors/staff is to be carried out at entry points. Only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed to enter the premises.
- The Exit should be done in a staggered row-wise manner to avoid crowding.
Here’s what’s coming to the theatres in a short while:
1. Khaali Peeli
Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Pandey starrer film Khaali Peeli, which was premiered on Zee Plex and ZEE5 on October 2, will release again theatrically on October 16.
2. Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari
The upcoming comedy film, starring Manoj Bapayee, Diljit Dosanjh, and Fatima Sana Shaikh is scheduled to release on November 13, coinciding with the Diwali festival.
3. PM Narendra Modi
The biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which saw theatrical release last year on May 24, will again re-release on October 15, 2020.
4. Sooryavanshi
Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif starrer film Sooryavanshi is another film in the queue that will make its theatrical release in October or November. Originally, the film was scheduled for release on 24 March 2020, the film was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. 83
The much-hyped film 83, based on the victory of India in the 1983 cricket World Cup is scheduled to be released on Christmas. The film stars Ranveer Singh as Kapil DEv and Deepika padukone as Kapil Dev’s wife. The film is directed by Kabir Khan.
6. Coolie No. 1
Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan’s recreation of iconic duo Govinda-Karisma Kapoor in Coolie No.1 will release in theatres during Christmas.
7. Tenet
Hollywood film that will release on the big screen after almost six months includes Tenet. With stars like Robert Pattinson and John David Washington, the film has been dominating the global box office. Tenet also stars Dimple Kapadia and has been filmed in Mumbai too.
8. Wonder Woman 1984
The sequel of superhero film Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins might see a theatrical entry during Christmas. With Winer woman 1984, Gal Gadot will be back as Diana Prince and Chris Pine will again be seen as Steve Trevor.
9.No Time To Die
Touted as Daniel Craig’s last James Bond movie, No Time To Die has been directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. One of the most-anticipated Bond films, No Time To Die is scheduled for a November release.
10. Dune
Another Hollywood film making headlines is Dune. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film is based on Frank Herbert 1965 novel. The sci-fi movie stars Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin and Rebecca Ferguson.
Apart from the aforementioned films, regional cinemas like, Bengali films—Dracula Sir and SOS Kolkata are lined up for Durga Puja.
