Maharashtra Unlock BIG Update: Cinema Halls, Theatres to Reopen From THIS Date. Check SOPs, Other Details

The development comes a day after Chief Minister's Office (CMO) announced that all religious places in the state will be allowed to open for the public from October 7.

Mumbai: The cinema halls, theaters in Maharashtra are set to reopen from October 22, just ahead of Diwali and 18 months after the box-offices were shut in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic plus the series of lockdowns since March 2020, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s office said on Saturday. The move comes a day after the government permitted the reopening of most schools in the state from October 4 and all places of worship from October 7, with restrictions and protocols, as the Covid-19 situation appears to be easing in the state.

“The work is underway to prepare a detailed SOP in this regard which will be announced soon,” said the CM as the announcement spread ripples of excitement in the film and theatre worlds now gearing up to return to ‘full houses’, 10 days before the Diwali festival.

The CM held detailed discussions with the Covid Task Force members — Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Dr Pradeep Vyas and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and others, reported news agency IANS.

(With inputs from agencies)