Kasthuri on 100 per cent occupancy in theatres: The risk is just too too much

While most of the Tamil film industry is welcoming the Tamil Nadu government's decision to allow 100 per cent occupancy in theatres, there is mixed reaction to the move on social media, with quite a few questioning the impact that such a move might have in increasing the spread of COVID-19, given that experts have warned that there is a greater threat of coronavirus spreading when people are in confined spaces.
One of the concerned voices has come from the film industry itself in the form of actress Kasthuri. Reacting to the news, the actress has tweeted, "Yes, Pongal is the biggest release date for movies. But this should not be about movie lobby's pressure or political and financial gains during election season. NO western country with proven vaccines is taking such risks! TN People are not guinea pigs."
"The risk is just too too much," she added, "As a cinemakaari, I dread to think...we call the Coronavirus 'Chinavirus'. Can we risk the name 'cinemavirus'? I beg our CM , heroes and exhibitors to rethink this most dangerous decision. Revenue loss is a lesser evil than total lockdown again."
"Crowds banned at temples,Weddings,deaths. ButTasmac, crowded political rallies, and now packed movie halls and malls? TN govt seems to have forgotten COVID control, this seems like population control. Are people only to be exploited as votebanks and ATM machines ? What logic is it when schools are closed to protect the children, but the adults can get exposed to every kind of crowd? The vaccine is only weeks away. Is it too much to ask wait a little longer? No one is worrying about us. It is we who have to take care," Kasthuri posted.
She also responded to actress Khushbu, who had welcomed the move, stating, "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? For cinema goers it may be choice, but for the theater employees, it is not. For their sake, I entreat movie hall management to restrict footfall. Government could subsidise or at least give tax cuts to movie business during the pandemic instead of falling for individual profit. (sic)"