NEW DELHI: Maharashtra, the last major territory that had been closed to Bollywood, has allowed cinemas to reopen as of November 5 at 50% capacity. A state government order said Wednesday that movie theaters, theaters, multiplexes and theaters will be allowed to operate outside of containment zones.
No groceries will be allowed inside the auditoriums. SOPs for them will be issued by the department of cultural affairs and local authorities, taking into consideration the guidelines previously issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the order adds.
At the end of September, the Interior Ministry announced that movie theaters could resume operations before October 15.
States like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu had remained major exceptions, preventing the release of films, especially Hindi-language films, across the country. For many films, Mumbai and Delhi together account for almost 50% of national box office revenues.
“Finally, the moment we were waiting for. Cinemas in Maharashtra can start operating from tomorrow with 50% occupancy and detailed SOPs will be broadcast soon. A step towards the resurrection of the film exhibition sector, “tweeted independent exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi.
In addition to the movie theaters, the government has also allowed the reopening of the pools used for the training of state, national and international athletes, yoga institutes and indoor sports, outdoor containment areas, SOPs for all who will follow .
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