NEW DELHI: In a big boost to the Tamil film industry, the state government on Monday issued a new directive removing the 50 per cent cap on occupancy in theatres.

Cinema halls in Tamil Nadu can now operate at 100 per cent capacity while following the standard operating procedures issued by the government. Precautionary measures will also be screened from time to time to spread awareness among the audiences.

The order comes days after actor Vijay and theatre owners requested chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to allow theatres to function at their full capacity.

Back in October, the ministry of home affairs had released guidelines wherein film theatres were only allowed to operate with 50 per cent seating capacity to ensure social distancing.

Tamil Nadu is the first state to allow cinema halls to operate at 100 per cent capacity. The 50 per cent cap, however, still remains in neighbouring states. In fact, only last week, the Kerala government gave its nod to re-open theatres with 50 per cent capacity with Covid-safety protocols in place.

However, the film industry continues to be hit as no big Bollywood releases are coming to the silver screen.