Akshay Kumar starrer Bell Bottom become the first big film to get a theatrical release after the second wave of the Covid pandemic.

The film was released today in theatres across India. After shows for the media on Wednesday, there have been generally positive reviews for the film. 

However, theatrical bookings are tepid. With only 50 percent occupancy allowed, the film needs an extraordinary run. 

That much was even acknowledged by film personalities even. Ajay Devgn congratulating the film team, said, "Dear Akki, I’ve heard good reviews of Bell Bottom. Congratulations. Also, your leap of faith in making it a theatrical release is praiseworthy." 

After four films in 2018 and five releases in 2019, Akshay Kumar had only one film in 2020, Laxmi. Even that was a direct OTT release. Akshay Kumar sometimes single-handedly ensured the supply chain of films sustained. He is now the only A-list star to have a theatrical release after the pandemic. 

Read: Bell Bottom releasing on August 19

Movie influencer Taran Adarsh has posted, "Bell Bottom is a complete entertainer meant for the Big Screen. Definitely a step forward as far as the revival of the film industry is concerned." 

The 50 percent seating allowed in most places and theatres not yet open in some places like Chennai continues to be the biggest problem the film industry is facing now.