When the Tamil Nadu government unveiled a new set of COVID-19 restrictions on Thursday to curb the spread of the human to human transmitting virus, there was one question that arose from the cinematic fans whether the movies would hit the big screens or they have to get settled up for the new normal of watching the movies on the OTT platforms. The epicenter of this question was from the ardent fans of Dhanush who are eagerly awaiting to watch his upcoming movie 'Karnan' in the theaters. 

'Karnan' is the much-anticipated movie from Dhanush after Asuran. The movie is bankrolled by Kalaipuli S Thanu under his banner V Creations and directed by Mari Selvaraj. While Dhanush plays the lead role, Rajisha Vijayan, Lakhsmi Priyaa, Gouri Kishan, Lal, Yogi Babu, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Natarajan Subramaniam have been roped into important roles. Santhosh Narayanan has composed the music and the songs, that were released at regular intervals, had fueled the expectations. 

The movie has been scheduled to hit the big screens on April 9 across and beyond Tamil Nadu, and the theaters in the state have earlier this week begun the reservations. However, the Tamil Nadu government has on Thursday, exactly a day ahead of the movie release, has unveiled a fresh set of restrictions and guidelines owing to the resurgence of COVID-19 and to contain the spread. 

The latest restrictions from the government include permitting the theaters and cinema halls in the malls to function with 50% of occupancy. In what has become one of the significant restrictions from the government, the restrictions will come to effect on April 10 and will be in place till April 30. The government has brought back the restrictions after several months and decreased the capacity of theaters and shopping malls. 

The theaters are currently functioning with 100% occupancy since last November and by restricting the 50% occupancy, the government has also advised the theaters to ensure that their staff and audiences follow the guidelines. The restrictions in theaters had shocked the ardent fans of Dhanush as they have been preparing to watch the movie in the theaters. However, the restriction on the theaters had triggered the question from them on whether Karnan will hit the big screens. 

As per the government's restrictions, the movie will have full occupancy of theaters only on Friday - April 9 on its first day of the release post which the restrictions will come to effect. Amid the question of the possibilities of the release, Karnan's producer Kalaippuli S Thanu has asserted that the movie will be released in the theaters on Friday and he requested the fans to show their support for the movie. 

Taking to Twitter, Thanu said, "As promised #Karnan will arrive to theatres tomorrow. As per the need guidelines of our Govt #Karnan will be screened with 50% capacity in theatres along with proper safety measures. I kindly request everyone to provide your support for #Karnan." While the assertion from Kalaippuli S Thanu has poured a major relief on the fans that the movie will hit the theaters, they are still perplexed on whether the theaters will increase the number of shows to accommodate them from April 10. 

As the sequel of the sharp and disturbing surge of the COVID-19 cases, the Tamil Nadu government has unveiled dozens of restrictions on Thursday, and apart from reducing the occupancy in the theaters, the government has also ordered the shopping malls and showrooms to allow 50% of the customers at the same time and it also has imposed restrictions to the eateries, tea stalls, and in conducting weddings, and the government has also banned festivals and religious events. 

As promised #Karnan will arrive to theatres tomorrow. As per the need guidelines of our Govt #Karnan will be screened with 50% capacity in theatres along with proper safety measures. I kindly request everyone to provide your support for #Karnan @dhanushkraja @mari_selvaraj

— Kalaippuli S Thanu (@theVcreations) April 8, 2021