Theatres to reopen in 25 districts of Maharashtra

Theatres and multiplexes in quite a few regions of India have reopened in recent times after the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as theatres in Mumbai, the biggest hub for Hindi cinema, are still shut, no new Hindi film release has been announced.

But the Maharashtra government has finally announced that there is a chance of cinema halls being allowed to reopen soon. Giving the latest COVID-19 lockdown update, state health minister Rajesh Tope told the ANI news agency, “We have decided to give relaxation in restrictions in 25 districts. Relaxation will be given in the functioning of shops, theatres, cinema halls, gyms. There would be restrictions on wedding functions, etc. We would discourage the use of air-conditioned halls.”

About the weekend lockdowns, he added, “Things will be open on Saturdays with limitations, while Sunday restrictions will continue." Detailed guidelines are expected in the next two or three days. Hotels and shops are likely to be allowed to remain open till 9pm. "But they [the restaurants] need to ensure staff is fully vaccinated," the minister said. "They will be allowed to function at 50% capacity.” 

Cinema halls have already been allowed to reopen in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab and Karnataka at 50% occupancy.