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Maharashtra government positive about opening cinema halls and theaters

Cinema halls and theatres are closed in Maharashtra, under the current phase of the lockdown. However, Cultural Affairs Minister Amit Deshmukh said that a meeting will be held with the cabinet soon, to understand the prospects of resuming the operations.

Maharashtra government positive about opening cinema halls and theaters
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Cinemas and theatres across Maharashtra have been closed for the last six months, due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown. The decision was taken by the ministry keeping audience's safety in mind, and over the last few weeks, officials have been in talks about reopening them for the public.

However, strict actions will have to be taken when it comes to opening cinemas the near future. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed them to reopen with 50 per cent capacity, and this period of festivals will prove to be beneficial, both for the audience and the business, keeping the releases in mind.

As per reports, the state government s positive about opening cinemas and theatres in Maharashtra and officials will discuss the matter with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat, said Cultural Affairs Minister Amit Deshmukh.

Recently, a meeting was held at Sahyadri Guest House with the owners of multiplex and single screen, theatres, film studio owners association and other members, in the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Amit Deshmukh. It was added by  Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Managing Director Manisha Verma, Co-Managing Director Aanchal Goyal, Deputy Secretary for Cultural Affairs Vilas Thorat among others.

Minister Deshmukh said that keeping the coronavirus pandemic in mind, the state government decided shut cinemas (single screen, multiplexes, theatres, film studios) in March, giving priority to the safety of citizens.

Currently, Maharashtra is in the Unlock-5 phase and the new guidelines issued by the state government have allowed the opening of hotels, restaurants and bars. However, cinemas and theatres will remain closed. But, many movies are screened during Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, and so the cinemas are crowded during these months. Officials will discuss the matter with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat on how to start cinemas keeping the safety aspects in mind.

Over the last few months, theatre owners had to deal with different issues and difficulties and in the next 6 months, the emphasis will be on solving the problems they will be facing due to the loss and the pandemic. Addressing these concerns, Minister Deshmukh assured the theatre owners that priority would be given to resolving issues like licenses,  electricity bills, property taxes, and various other aspects.

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