Christoper Nolan’s Tenet has triumphed at the international box office despite the world struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.

The film released over the weekend in 41 countries, which included most of Europe, South Korea and Canada. Tenet managed to rake in a whopping $53 million USD, greatly exceeding everyone’s expectations, despite social distancing norms and limited audiences in theatres.

Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, called it “a fantastic start.”

“Given the unprecedented circumstances of this global release we know we’re running a marathon, not a sprint, and look forward to long playability for this film globally for many weeks to come,” said Emmerich in a statement.

But as India still grips with the reality of the ever-growing pandemic, re-opening of theatres seem like a distant dream. Indian film-makers have officially appealed to the government to permit cinema halls and multiplexes to open again.

“The cinema industry is an inherent part of the country’s culture, and of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods. Most countries have allowed cinemas to operate. We request the Indian government to allow us to operate as well. We are committed to offering a safe and hygienic cinema experience. If aviation, metros, malls, wellness centres and restaurants can be allowed to operate, the movie industry too deserves a chance,” says a representative of the Multiplex Association of India.