Maharashtra Govt positive about reopening theatres

As a result of the pandemic, along with the consequent coronavirus-induced lockdown, theatres were forced to shut down across the country.

However, with the Centre deciding to resume operations in the theatre with a 50 per cent capacity from October 15, the state's cultural affairs minister Amit Deshmukh has stated that the government is positive about reopening theatres, however, adding that the safety of the people is going to be the top priority.

Deshmukh has further stated that he would have a discussion with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Revenue Minister Bala Saheb Thorat regarding the same. As a consequence of the outbreak, big films like Akshay Kumar's Suryavanshi and Ranveer Singh's 83 have not been released.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs further relaxed lockdown restrictions and has now permitted the functioning of cinema halls, theatres, and multiplexes with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity from October 15.

Moreover, social/academic/sports/entertainment/cultural/religious/political functions and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside containment zones only. Now State/UT Governments have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons, outside containment zones, after October 15, which will be subjected to conditions.