The Maharashtra
government has decided to reopen cinema halls to their full capacity from
October 22. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray made the announcement
on Saturday after the state saw a significant drop in COVID-19 infections over
the last few days. The protocol for reopening theatres is in the works and will
be released soon, the chief minister’s office said.

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The decision came
as a major relief to theatre owners and Mumbai’s film industry at large. Following
the announcement, Hindi film star Akshay Kumar tweeted: “So many families would
be thanking Sh Uddhav Thackeray today! Grateful for allowing the reopening of
cinema halls in Maharashtra from October 22…”

Soon after, filmmaker
Rohit Shetty put up a post on Instagram saying, “Thanks to our Honourable Chief
Minister, Shri Uddhav Thackeray, theatres in Maharashtra to reopen from 22
nd October. And FINALLY!!! We can say, This DIWALI…AA RAHI HAI POLICE….”

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Akshay Kumar and
Katrina Kaif starrer cop-drama “Sooryavanshi” has long awaited its theatrical
release. The announcement sent Hindi film buffs in a tizzy. Many people hailed
the Maharashtra government’s decision to finally open theatres while there were
others who thought that the government should remain cautious about the
evolving pandemic situation.

Alok Tandon, the
CEO of INOX Leisure Limited welcomed the Maharashtra government’s decision. “We
welcome the government of Maharashtra’s decision to allow cinemas and
multiplexes to reopen from October 22. We are completely geared up and prepared
to ensure the safety of our guests and employees,” NDTV quoted Tandon as
saying.

Girish Johar, who identifies
as a member of the Indian film fraternity, tweeted celebrating the reopening of
theatres and the announcement of the release of Sooryavanshi. Ranvir Shorey
also tweeted in support of the Maharashtra government’s decision.

While the film
industry celebrated, there were others who thought that reopening cinema halls
while not reopening schools showed problematic priorities. Others pointed out
that while the government is reopening cinema halls, it should also consider reopening
local trains.