The Kannada film industry and the hospitality sector are in distress as the prospect of the government lifting pandemic-induced curbs such as 50% occupancy in movie halls and night curfew appear bleak.

Besides these restrictions, the ban on serving liquor in pubs and closure of swimming pools will remain in force till September 28. However, the has authorised deputy commissioners to lift weekend curfew if the test positivity rate (TPR) is less than 2%.
Stakeholders had hoped curbs would be lifted as the pandemic situation has improved significantly. TPR is below 2% in all 31 districts the state Average is around 0.6% and the number of new daily cases has slid below the 1,000-mark.

Only one Kannada film, Lanke, was released in the past three months and only 60 of 630 single-screen theatres in the state have reopened. Representatives say the Kannada film Industry has suffered a loss of Rs 4,500 crore so far.