KOLKATA: After months of closure due to Covid2019 crisis, the Maharashtra government has given green signal to the film exhibition sector to restart the business. The state government has allowed cinema halls, theatres, and multiplexes outside containment zones to open from tomorrow.

On the lines of the central government’s decision, screenings will be limited to 50 per cent of the overall seating capacity. No eatables will be allowed inside, the notification stated.

The SOP for the same will be issued by the cultural affairs department and local authorities. It will also take into consideration the SOP issued by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB). Earlier, ministry of home affairs (MHA) allowed the opening of cinema halls from 15 October but all states did not follow the decision immediately. However, the industry was awaiting the decision of the Maharashtra government specifically.

Since late March, the cinema halls have been shut amounting to huge losses for the cinema owners. The producers opted for OTT platforms to release their movies. As the move comes just before Diwali, it could be a breather for the industry which is bleeding for last six months.