Bollywood prepares for showtime in Maharashtra

When theatres opened in November 2020, nearly eight months after the first lockdown, they were operating at 50 per cent intake. File pic

Single screens, multiplexes, drama theatres and auditoriums will reopen across the state from October 22 on the condition that they follow Covid-19-related health protocols, which will soon be issued by the government.

CM Uddhav Thackeray announced this after meeting eminent people from the entertainment industry on Saturday. The State Covid Task Force members also participated in the deliberations that were held after the industry's demand for not delaying the resumption further.

On Friday, Thackeray announced that schools and junior colleges will resume physical classes from October 4, while places of worship will be allowed to reopen on October 7, which is the first day of Navaratri.

Uddhav Thackeray

"The standard operating procedures (SoPs) are being prepared. We will announce the SoPs soon," said the CM in a statement.

The previous unlock in November had allowed multiplexes, cinema halls and auditoriums to operate at 50 per cent intake. Eatables were not allowed inside the halls.

The entertainment industry in Maharashtra will come face to face with the audience in October after a seven-month shutdown - the second one since last March. The reopening has been planned a weekend before Diwali, a favourite release time for big banners.

Saturday's meeting with the CM was attended by Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut, state chief secretary Sitaram Kunte, filmmakers Rohit Shetty and Kunal Kapoor, film and theatre personalities Makarand Deshpande, Subodh Bhave and Aadesh Bandekar.