The COVID-19 pandemic hit India in February this year and cinema halls were closed down on March 14. After over six months since the shutdown of theatres, on October 1, the Ministry of Home Affairs released fresh guidelines of the Unlock 5 phase. Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes were permitted to open with up to 50% of their seating capacity, for which, SOP was to be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. For Entertainment parks and similar places, the SOP will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
However, in a sad update, it has been revealed that Uddhav Thackeray-led government announced that theatres in Maharashtra will continue to remain shut till October 31. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh believes it is a pragmatic decision. "The government has been supportive of the industry in the past, but it can't take a chance now as the number of cases is on the rise," said Adarsh.
However, Manoj Desai, executive director of Bandra's G7 multiplex said, "Having suffered such huge losses for seven months, each day counts for us. Now, we have again lost 15 days of business. It remains to be seen if they will allow theatres to open in November."
The Multiplex Association of India urged state governments to reopen cinemas.
(Source: Mid Day)
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