In an unexpected massive move, the Tamil Nadu Government has announced officially that the theatre seating capacity will be increased from the existing 50% to 100%. This announcement comes ahead of the Pongal release of Master and Eeswaran.

In an official notification from the disaster management department of Tamil Nadu Government, the decision has been announced "Based on the decrease in the COVID-19 cases day by day, the Theatre Owners Association have represented to Government to increase the seating capacity of Cinemas/theatres/Multiplexes. Now, therefore the Government hereby permit to increase the seating capacity of Cinemas/theatres/Multiplexes from existing 50% to 100% by following the Standard Operating Procedure issued already and issue following amendment to G.O.Ms.No.820, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department, dated:31.12.2020 as detailed below: Under Caption II, the following section shall be added in addition to the existing permitted activities: The seating capacity of Cinemas/theatres/Multiplexes shall be permitted to increase from existing 50% to 100% by following the Standard Operating Procedure issued already. Further, in order to create awareness among the spectators, the precautionary measures for Covid-19 shall also be screened during the show time."

It must be noted that last week actor Vijay had met chief minister Edappadi Palanisamy requesting theatre capacity increase to help the film industry. Besides, Tamil Nadu theatre owners association also had requested the government to increase theatre occupancy to 100%.