Following the unprecedented hike in COVID-19 cases in Bombay and Maharashtra, the state government has issued directives to shut down cinemas in the state. Although shootings of films, web series and TV serials have been allowed, shooting of crowd scenes has been banned. Also, the government will insist on strict observance of COVID protocols on the sets. In fact, the set construction work of a film of Ajay Devgan was halted by the police on 1st April because set construction workers were seen flouting social distancing protocols and some were not wearing their masks.
It does not need to be added that all films slated to release in April would now stand postponed in view of the cinema closure — not just in Maharashtra but in several other states too. For instance, the Rajasthan government today (4th) issued orders for the closure of cinemas in the state. Cinemas in many big cities of Madhya Pradesh are already closed.
