Theatre owners are hopeful that Deepavali releases, Bigil and Kaithi, can be played at Tamil Nadu theatres for 24 hours. Trade expert Sreedhar Pillai tweeted, "Will TN government allow theatres in the state to screen films 24x7 on Oct 25,26,27 for the big #Deepavali weekend? Industry stalwart #TirupurSubramaniam has told a TV channel that they have requested the govt to grant them permission. A decision is likely 2 b taken by govt soon." This would mean more shows and thus more income. Bigil VS Kaithi on October 25: Will Thalapathy Vijay or Karthi’s Film Rule at the Box Office This Diwali 2019? VOTE NOW

Theatres in TN right now have four shows across the day with two shifts of workers. They remain open from 10 am to 2 am. For the films to run all day, there will be a third shift. Many months back, there were reports that Tirupur Subramanium, President of Tamil Nadu Theatres Owners Association had sent a letter to the Home Secretary. The Tamil Nadu Government had allowed shops to be open 24/7 on all days of the year and the theatre owners expected to have the same one for theatres as well.

If that happens, Deepavali will be a huge festival for the theatres. A Vijay movie on the festival is a norm now and the actor has never disappointed. People still remember the mammoth business of Mersal and thus Bigil is expected to reignite the same fire at the box office. Kaithi is also gaining a lot of buzz which will help its cause of standing up to a Vijay Diwali release.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2019 12:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).