The Maharashtra government dealt a severe blow to the film industry in the state when it did not permit cinemas to reopen in the Modified Guidelines issued by it today (2nd August). The film trade was expecting that Uddhav Thackeray’s government would at least now allow cinemas to reopen, even if at 50% capacity. But while malls, gyms etc. have been granted permission to reopen, cinemas and multiplexes have specifically been ordered to remain closed till further orders.
With the announcement of a number of Hollywood film releases in the current month and with Bollywood’s Bellbottom slated for release on 19th August, it is now to be seen how many producers actually keep their date with the audience. Releasing a Hindi film without it hitting the screens in Bombay (Maharashtra) is quite unthinkable.
