KOLKATA: As the number of Covid2019 cases is inching towards the 80 lakh mark, preventive measures continue to remain in force. While the ministry of home affairs (MHA) allowed the reopening of cinema halls with limited capacity from 15 October, the 50 per cent cap will be applicable till 30 November.

At the time of announcing unlock 5.0 guidelines, the ministry stated that the movie theatres outside containment zones can open with 50 per cent of their seating capacity. The announcement brought smiles to the faces of stakeholders across the film exhibition industry, who welcomed the decision despite persisting challenges.

Later, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) shared an extensive list of SOPs for the exhibition industry to abide by to check the spread of Covid2019. The ministry has clearly stated that no exhibition of films shall be allowed in containment zones; film exhibition activities through cinemas/theatres/multiplexes shall be governed as per the prevalent guidelines of ministry of home affairs and ministry of health & family welfare, and further states/UTs may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment.

However, not all states have permitted the functioning of theatres and multiplexes. Cinema halls remain closed in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Chhattisgarh. On the other hand, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh are some of the states where theatres have reopened.