"We'll increase seating capacity of cinema halls after Diwali, if...": Dy CM Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today, October 22, informed that the permission to operate theaters and cinema halls with increased seating capacity would be given after Diwali; if the COVID-19 situation in the state remains “under control” even after the festival.

This development comes on a day when multiplexes, theatres, cinema halls and auditoriums across Maharashtra reopened with 50 per cent seating capacity. 

Moreover, the state government had also released a list of SOPs for the theaters and multiplexes ahead of its reopening.

Read More: Maharashtra Govt issues SOPs for cinema halls, auditoriums before its reopening - Check detailed guidelines here

"We have re-opened theatres with 50% capacity from today. The theatre owners are demanding to reopen with 100% seating capacity but we have told them to wait till Diwali. After Diwali if the situation is under control, then we will increase the capacity," Pawar was quoted as saying by ANI.

Meanwhile, the multiplex chain Inox Leisure Ltd announced free movie tickets as gifts to the audience on the first day of reopening, October 22, 2021, to watch any movie in Maharashtra.

Cinema halls and theatres, shut since March 2020, were reopened in November last year. However, they closed again in April 2021 after the second coronavirus wave hit Maharashtra.

Also Read: Reopening Of Cinema Halls Will Be A Big Relief To The Film Industry, Believes An Industry Player