The last time I told you how badly theatres have been suffering even after they have re-opened. Despite a new film, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, hitting the screens people are still not ready to go back to the cinemas.
The good news is that distributors and producers are still going ahead and lining up releases. However, with a significant spike in COVID-19 cases in many parts of the country will there be a second lockdown, and even if there isn't one will people continue to stay away from cinema halls?
Manoj Desai, owner of Mumbai's famous Gaiety Galaxy, told The Quint that he fears a second round of lockdown as the coronavirus cases have suddenly spiked in the city.
Till the decision comes in here are a few films slated to release in the next three months:
Indoo Ki Jawani, starring Kiara Advani, is the next big Hindi film slated to release in cinema halls. The trailer is out and as you know it's a comedy, which will hopefully draw people when it's out on 11 December.
Saina, the biopic of badminton champion Saina Nehwal, has also announced a theatrical release by next year. The film stars Parineeti Chopra in the lead role. Keeping in mind the subject, this is a film that should get an audience when it releases in January.
Madam Chief Minister, a film loosely based on Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati, is also scheduled to release in January. Starring Richa Chadha and directed by Subhash Kapoor, Madam Chief Minister is expected to evoke enough interest and curiosity.
Besides these the other films that have opted for a theatrical release are Toolsidas Junior (produced by Ashutosh Gowarikar), Tuesdays and Fridays (produced by Sanjay Bhansali), and more smaller films such as Time to Dance, Hurdang and Koi Jaane Na.
But the biggest test will, of course, be the release of Tenet on 4 December. Though it's a Hollywood release, a Christopher Nolan film should be able to get film lovers into multiplexes in the metros at least. We can only wait and watch.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)