Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar, announced that cinema halls across the country will operate at full occupancy from February 1.

“Starting Feb 1, full occupancy will be allowed in cinema halls while following all COVID-related protocols. Online booking of tickets will be encouraged,” he said, ANI reported. 

Also Read: Distributors, exhibitors happy as MHA allows increase in theatre occupancy

The ministry issued a set of SOPs for cinema halls to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As per the guidelines, no film will be screened in containment zones. Apart from mandatory wearing of masks, social distancing and temperature checks, theatres will have separated seats and staggered show timings to ensure the safety of viewers. Digital payments will be encouraged.

Prakash Javadekar also said that the ministry has been receiving several complaints regarding some serials on OTT.

“We’ve received a lot of complaints against some serials available on OTT platforms. Films & serials released on OTT platforms &digital newspapers don’t come under purview of Press Council Act, Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act or Censor Board. Guidelines will be announced regarding their functioning soon,” he said.