Dhollywood on cinema halls having 100 per cent occupancy: Now our film industry will bounce back

With cinema halls across the country being finally allowed to operate at full capacity while following all COVID-19 guidelines, the mood is upbeat in the Gujarati film industry. After months of uncertainty, D-Town actors and filmmakers are now gearing up to complete work on pending projects and release them on the big screen. As actress Deeksha Joshi puts it, “After a very difficult year, I am very excited that my films will release in theatres again.”
‘WE CAN NOW PLAN ON RELEASE DATES AFTER LOOKING AT BOLLYWOOD SCHEDULE’
Actor Malhar Thakar feels that the industry will now have to plan its releases smartly.He shares, “Four films of mine are about to release. We are still figuring out the Bollywood schedule and we will plan our strategy accordingly. Once a big Bollywood film releases, I think regional films will soon follow suit.”
Actress Aarohi Patel seconds him, “It will be prudent to watch how the audience receives the much-awaited Bollywood films and if the response is encouraging, D-Towners will be planning their release dates.”
‘WILL NOW BOOST THE INDUSTRY’S CONFIDENCE’
Exhibitors, filmmakers and actors also feel that allowing movie halls to operate at 100 per cent capacity was important to boost the morale of the film industry after an unprecedented crisis. Vandan Shah, distributor and exhibitor of Gujarati films, says, “This will give the industry a lot of confidence. Overall, this should be a good year for Gujarati films.”
‘THE 50 PER CENT CAP WAS A BIG HINDRANCE’
Filmmakers say that the earlier 50 per cent cap was a big hindrance. Vijaygiri Bava, director of the upcoming film Ekvismu Tiffin, says, “The 50 per cent cap wasn’t beneficial to anyone. Now, filmmakers will feel more secure.” Kirtan Patel, director of the upcoming film Rang Jo Lagyo, adds, “We were thinking of releasing our film even with 50 per cent occupancy. Now, we will look at the Bollywood schedule and plan a release date in April or May.”
Rahul Bhole, co-director of the multistarrer Vickida No Varghodo, says, “It’s good to have clarity now. We will soon apply for the censor certificate and after chalking out a strategy for the promotions, we will decide on the final release date.”
—With inputs from Yesha.Bhatt@timesgroup.com