There has been huge frustration through all of September as there seemed no sign of cinemas opening in Maharashtra but there is better news as an opening on 1st October looks likely with cinemas now working on the SOP's (standard operating procedure) and waiting for Maharashtra government which will give exact details of what will be allowed. 

The 50% occupancy rule is certain and it is possible there will be no night shows to start with but it remains to be seen what exactly happens. This will give Sooryavanshi a shot at Diwali with the 50% cap rule likely to be an obstacle for the makers but you could be waiting a very long time for this to be lifted.

This film is the biggest film ready for release especially for Maharashtra and Gujarat and the areas which are struggling for business comparatively like CPCI Rajasthan, Bihar and UP. The film can really change the depression in the industry since Bell Bottom with a Diwali release as there is no better date for a film like this.

Hopefully the film releases and they announce the date in early October. But if the makers need to wait for occupancy cap rule to go which should not be the case as its waited for 18 months for release and we have come to the scenario where you dont know what will be the position with covid 19 in a few months then they should make that clear as well then another film or films can come on Diwali. Its unlikely that anything with potential will come if Sooryavanshi is coming and generally other studios will be waiting for a decision on Sooryavanshi before setting their own dates.

A couple of weeks back it looked like being another dry Diwali like last year but now there is hope and there is no doubt Diwali will see the highest business across all our circuits since those days of Baaghi 3 in March 2020 irrespective of Sooryavanshi coming or not as others will benefit. If no Hindi film at all then Hollywood and regional will show higher numbers though if all goes to plan and cinemas in Maharashtra start running from October then it would be crazy to not have a Hindi release on Diwali. The numbers have been very low so far but the green shoots have been seen on holidays and Sundays and on Diwali this will go up a level or two.