The much awaited Hollywood film Tenet will see a THEATRICAL RELEASE on Wednesday in many markets across the world. It is the first big release since March when the Covid 19 pandemic led to cinemas shutting down across the world. There have been local releases in South Korea, China, Spain and France and some of these have even done very well considering the social distancing rules for cinemas. Infact China saw a release this week which made it look there was no pandemic with almost $140 million in four days.

The film will not release in China on Wednesday (26th August) but on 4th September which will be one day after the domestic release (USA). But it will see a release in the above markets which have seen success post Covid 19 like South Korea, France and Spain and other major markets like UK, Germany, Italy and Australia. It will also open in Canada on the 26th and this is a part of the domestic market for Hollywood  

The United Kingdom is the biggest market where it will release in August but the country is a couple of weeks behind in terms of opening theatres as compared to other big European markets like France, Germany and Spain so that could mean United Kingdom may not see the highest numbers from Europe. Its going to be interesting to see where Tenet can take the box office in these countries, obviously its difficult to see business at pre Covid19 level but where will it be? Will it be 70 or 75% down or in the 50% range which would probably be a result considering the scenario today.

Tenet will also probably the first big film back in cinemas in India. Early September will see cinemas back in most countries across the world and it is likely that cinemas in India will start to open up by September end or early October unless the situation with Covid19 takes a turn for the worst from where it is now. It will be a staggered opening with some cinemas opening before others but it will be a start. The pandemic started from Far East and then Europe, then North America and then India and that is the order in which cinema will return unless there is a turn for the worse.

Appreciation for Tenet in Europe and North America will give the cinema business a boost as it will get a long run due to limited competition and social distancing rules meaning less footfalls per show though in the West this only really matters over the weekend as weekdays hardly see 5-10% occupancy for the biggest films.