Theatres and cinema halls across Tamil Nadu are once again wearing a festive look filled with massive celebrations being carried out by fans of 'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Makkal Selvan' Vijay Sethupathi and Silambarasan TR after their films namely Master and Eeswaran finally hit screens after a long wait. However, the celebrations in a number of theatres were cut short, especially in Chennai city, after the police on Wednesday booked as many as 10 cinema halls for not adhering to the 50% occupancy norm during the first day screenings of Master. The 50% capacity norm had been initiated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a police team of the MGR Nagar police station visiting the popular Kasi Theatre on Wednesday to find that the attendance for the 11AM show too was at 100%. 

Now, Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, has issued a new order to single screen theatres, cinema halls and multiplexes in the city informing them that legal action will be initiated, including their licenses being cancelled in case they are found to be not adhering to the 50% occupancy norms during the screening of films going forward. Earlier, a police officer in a statement to the media had said that theatres in Chromepet, Kilpauk, Washermenpet, Villivakkam and a few other places were found to be violating the occupancy norm during the Master screenings, while also adding that they had acquired proof in the form of video clips that were uploaded by Vijay fans on social media. Soon after, cases were registered against the theatres under IPC sections 188 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 269 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), with a fine of Rs 5,000 being slapped on each. 

Many theatres in Chennai have over the past couple of days witnessed a phenomenal audience turnout considering both Master and Eeswaran feature big stars. 'Thalapathy' Vijay's Master, especially has taken an astounding opening around the world, including Tamil Nadu and Chennai city, as the shows from early morning till the night are witnessing a record audience turnout. Master, which also includes Vijay Sethupathi, who plays the antagonist, has been witnessing repeat audiences already in its third day, with film industry trade analysts predicting the turnout to get bigger as the film heads into a big weekend ahead.