Maharashtra To Reopen Cinema Halls, Theaters By October 22. SOPs To Be Issued Soon

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with top government officials and members from the film industry on Saturday after which the announcement was made. 

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New Delhi: In a big relief for theaters and cinema hall owners in Maharashtra, the state government has finally decided to allow the reopening of these spaces on October 22, 2021. 

The government also informed that standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be issued later, to ensure the safety of the staff and cinema-goers. 

According to media reports, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with top government officials and members from the film industry on Saturday after which the announcement was made.

Cinemas, theaters in Maharashtra to reopen from October 22, in compliance with health norms: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's Secretariat pic.twitter.com/6PRXvci1GI

— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2021

Two weeks prior to the decision, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), along with leading multiplex chains PVR and INOX urged the Maharashtra government to reopen theatres. They claimed that the film exhibition sector had lost an estimated Rs 9,000 crore in the last six months and stated that it employs lakhs of people. 

The joy of watching stories unfold on the big screen: the clapping, laughing, and tears. We miss it. Can’t wait to have you back at the movies!#UnlockCinemaSaveJobs pic.twitter.com/TYv1BXudqL

— P V R C i n e m a s (@_PVRCinemas) September 15, 2020

Millions work behind the scenes, to make dreams come to life on the big screen. Their jobs are at stake. Please reopen Cinemas immediately #UnlockCinemaSaveJobs pic.twitter.com/tHu0KPnpwL

— INOX Leisure Ltd. (@INOXMovies) September 15, 2020

The announcement came a day after the Maharashtra government allowed the schools to reopen from October 4 and all religious places from October 7.