After the devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, states have gradually started reopening public places. In Maharashtra, which was badly hit by the second wave, cinema halls and cinemas are yet to reopen. However, according to a new report, auditoriums, drama theaters and cultural programs will resume in the state from November. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly met theater personalities of the state and has given in-principle approval to open these venues from November 5. However, these will reopen at 50% capacity.
According to a report in Times of India, Cultural Affairs Minister Anil Deshmukh was quoted as saying that detailed SOPs would be issued later. He also clarified that cinema halls and theaters will not reopen anytime soon. He said that since they are closed for some time, they will need time to be ready for the public. “The approval will be based on the severity of the third wave,” he added.
Veteran Bollywood actress and theater personality Rohini Hattangadi was quoted by the publication as saying, “I am in a dilemma as I am happy and not happy with this news. The reopening of cinemas is a welcome announcement, but two months away on November 5 What if we see a third wave of COVID in September-October, as predicted by health experts? If that happens, the move will stall and all the cast and crew will be disappointed.”
Last month, the Multiplex Association of India had appealed to the Maharashtra government to allow them to open cinema halls saying, “The Maharashtra government’s decision to keep theaters closed is extremely disappointing news for the entire film industry. This comes at a critical time when the industry has received permission from all major states to reopen and is trying to recover from the devastating pandemic. Urging @OfficeofUT to reconsider and allow cinemas to reopen @AUThackeray,” he posted on social media.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar also appealed to open theaters after the announcement of the release of his film Bell Bottom.
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