Movie theaters to operate with 50% capacity: AP Cinematography Minister

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh government has decided to allow movie theaters to operate with 50 percent seating capacity despite rising COVID 19 cases.

"In view of a spike in COVID cases, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to allow movie theaters to operate with 50% occupancy and alternate seating. We urge filmmakers to defer the release of movies", said Cinematography Minister Perni Nani.

Nani's statement came after he met noted film director Ram Gopal Varma in Vijayawada to discuss the issue related to movie tickets. Later, he spoke to the media.

The Minister said that RGV called on him to discuss the issue related to movie tickets. He said that the movie ticket rates were fixed in accordance with the Cinematography Act. The Minister clarified that the committee was set up to discuss the ongoing movie ticket issue and they will welcome any suggestions.

Later, RGV told the media that the film industry has been hit by slashed ticket rates. "With 30 years experience in the film industry, I discussed five important issues with the Minister. The major issue was related to movie tickets. I opposed the idea of reducing movie ticket prices", said RGV.

Varma said the Minister also gave some suggestions which will be discussed with the members of the film industry in Hyderabad.

He said there has been no discussion on the closing of theaters in some of the districts in Andhra Pradesh. "I wouldn't think the government has taken such a decision only to target actors like Pawan Kalyan and Balakrishna. The government's decision will have an impact on every film director and actor", said RGV.

RGV clarified that he came in to talk as a film director but not a representative of the cinema industry.