Theatres, cinema chains in Maharashtra to reopen at 50% capacity from 5 November

The state of Maharashtra has allowed theatres and cinema halls to function at 50% capacity from 5 November as part of the Unlock 6 plan, which seeks to relax measures imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While theatres across the country have been allowed to function at 50% capacity since the beginning of October, the state of Maharashtra chose to delay relaxations owing to the relatively high number of COVID-19 affected people in the region. 

The state government issued the order allowing cinema halls, multiplexes, and theatres to open with 50% seating capacity outside containment zones on 4 November. The state is expected to issue new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for theatres soon. 

According to The Indian Express newspaper, the order reads: "Cinema halls/theatres/multiplexes/drama theatres will be allowed to open with 50% of their seating capacity in areas outside the Containment Zones only with effect from November 5, 2020. No eatables will be allowed inside the Cinema halls/theatres/multiplexes/drama theatres. The SOP for the same will be issued by the Cultural Affairs Department and local authorities. The Cultural Affairs Department will take into consideration the SOP issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Further, all norms of social distancing and precaution to prevent Covid-19 shall be followed [sic]."

Director Sanjay Gupta was among many figures in the entertainment industry, who welcomed the decision but also cautioned the industry to maintain safety norms.

Meanwhile, swimming pools and yoga centres, as well as indoor sports facilities such as badminton and tennis courts will be allowed to operate, provided sanitization norms and physical distancing measures are adhered to. 

The period from March to October has seen a couple of single-screen theatres in Mumbai, namely Central Plaza, shut down. In an interview with Cinestaan.com in August, Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 Multiplex, said, "The lockdown has now become too much to bear. The government should take a decision soon. They should issue a notification for us to resume. They should make us aware of what percentage of seats should be empty."

Several films have already been lined up for a theatrical release, and War (2019), Tanhaji (2019) and Thappad (2019) are among the films that will be re-released.