Maharashtra Government on Wednesday allowed cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes to open with 50 per cent of their seating capacity from November 5. The theatres, cinema halls will be allowed to operate in areas outside containment zones.

The decision came after the Maharashtra government finalised the standard operating procedure (SOP) for them. Chief Minister (CM) Uddhav Thackeray recently held meetings with single-screen theatre and multiplex owners.Uddhav Thackeray acknowledged that the entertainment industry will help move the wheels of the state economy quicker and also stated that the government does not get any joy by keep theatres closed.

The Maharashtra government recently issued orders extending the coronavirus induced lockdown till November 30. The state is yet to reopen places of worship, swimming pools and allow social, political, sports, religious, academic and cultural events.

Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka some of the states where cinema halls are reopened.