Maharashtra government makes U-turn, cinema halls will have to wait a while longer to reopen

With the number of coronavirus cases declining across India, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope had told the ANI news agency on 29 July that theatres and cinema halls in 25 districts of the state would be allowed to reopen under the fresh relaxation rules.

“Relaxation will be given in the functioning of shops, theatres, cinema halls and gyms,” Tope had said.

However, the state government has now made a U-turn. In the latest 'modified' guidelines shared by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Twitter yesterday, theatres and playhouses will remain shut until further notice.

'All cinema theatres, drama theatres and multiplexes (independent and inside malls) to remain closed till further orders,' read one of the guidelines shared by the chief minister.

The news has come as a major surprise to exhibitors and the cinema-going public, especially since gyms, yoga centres, salons, beauty parlours, spas and restaurants have been allowed to function with some restrictions.

Expecting theatres to reopen soon in Mumbai, the hub of Hindi cinema, the makers of the Akshay Kumar-starrer Bell Bottom had recently announced that it would be released on 19 August. The film’s trailer launch is scheduled to take place today in Delhi.

Theatres in a number of other Indian states and Union territories have been allowed to screen films.

Reacting to the state government's decision, the Multiplex Association of India said in a tweet, "Government of Maharashtra’s decision to keep cinemas closed is hugely disappointing news for the entire film industry. This comes at a crucial time when the industry has received permission to reopen from all major states and is trying to recover from the devastating pandemic."

The association urged the chief minister to reconsider his decision and allow cinema halls to reopen.