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Maharashtra Government Announces The Reopening Of Theaters After Filmmaker Rohit Shetty And Others Met State CM Bollywood
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Maharashtra Government Announces The Reopening Of Theaters After Filmmaker Rohit Shetty And Others Met State CM

Mumbai, September 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday announced that cinema halls and drama theatres in the state will be allowed to operate from October 22 on the condition that they follow all the protocols required to prevent the spread of coronavirus.## The standard operating procedure (SOPs) regarding cinema reopening is in the works and will be issued soon. Earlier in the day, filmmaker Rohit Shetty along with Jayantilal Gada of PEN Studios, and representative of multiplex owners met chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and discussed the theater reopening status and urged him for urgent action. ## Theatres and auditoriums in Maharashtra will open after 22nd October 2021 while observing all COVID safety protocols. SOP is in the works and will be declared soon.— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) September 25, 2021 ## The announcement of cinema reopening in Maharashtra come as a major relief for the Bollywood film industry which is going through a tough phase due to the covid-19 pandemic. It is reported that Bollywood filmmakers are eyeing the Diwali 2021 release for some of their most anticipated films. ## The persence of Rohit Shetty in the meeting with CM Uddhav Thackeray indicates that his directorial "Sooryavanshi" may release during the upcoming big festival season. "Sooryavanshi" starring Akshay Kumar has been on waiting mode since March 2022 and it has already been one and a half years since then. ## Apart from "Sooryavanshi", Salman Khan and Aayush Sharma starrer "Antim: The Final Truth", and Ayushmann Khurrana's "Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui" are also gearing up for Diwali 2022 release. Interestingly, it was Akshay Kumar's "Bell Bottom", which was the first Bollywood biggie to release post-second covid-19 wave without Maharashtra. The business of the film was obviously halted but the release of the film gave some breather to theater owners. It has collected (still running) over Rs. 31 crore net, which is no less feat amid the pandemic and without the biggest market for a Hindi movie. ## Stay tuned...

Shootings and Theatres To Operate From Monday As Maharashtra Government Announces Five-Level Unlock Plan Bollywood
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Shootings and Theatres To Operate From Monday As Maharashtra Government Announces Five-Level Unlock Plan

Mumbai, June 5, 2021: The Bollywood film industry based in Mumbai, Maharashtra left stranded once again when the second wave of the covid-19 pandemic forced the state government to enforce the lockdown to curb the virus a few weeks ago. The shootings of the films and tv shows were paused and theaters were shut which badly affected the daily wage earners. ## Now, as the coronavirus cases are declining sharply in Maharashtra and all over the country, the Maha. government has decided to unlock the state from Monday (June 7), which will be based on the COVID positivity rate and the availability of oxygen beds in the state. To unlock the state, the state government led by CM Uddhav Thackeray on Friday issued a five-level restriction plan. ## According to level 1, which includes areas where the weekly covid-19 positivity rate is less than 5% and where less than 25% of oxygen beds are occupied, theaters will be permitted to operate at full capacity while shooting can also resume in such areas. ## The theaters will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity in the areas when the weekly positivity rate is less than 5% and oxygen beds occupancy is between 25% to 40%, according to level 2. Level 3 consists of cities and districts which have a weekly positivity rate of 5%-10% or oxygen bed occupancy of more than 40%. ## Mumbai city falls under the level 3 category since its weekly positivity rate is 5.56% while the bed occupancy is 32.51%. According to the guidelines, cinema halls won't be allowed to resume operations for places under Level 3. However, shootings can be resumed. But, one will have to strictly follow certain rules - the shoots will happen in a bubble and moreover, no movement will be allowed outside after 5 pm.## As per the government notification, every Thursday, the public health department of Maharashtra will declare the list of oxygen beds occupancy and weekly positivity rate in each district. Depending on these figures, a decision will be taken whether a district needs to be moved to a different level.## 🚨Level of restrictions for breaking the chain 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Vi8WvkDuqi— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 4, 2021 ## Stay tuned...

FWICE Writes To Maharashtra CM Requesting Permission To Resume Work Bollywood
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FWICE Writes To Maharashtra CM Requesting Permission To Resume Work

Mumbai, June 1, 2021: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday (May 31), requesting him to allow the resumption of work in the media and entertainment (M&E) industry.## Films and television shooting is currently on hold owing to the second wave of the Covid pandemic as the Maharasthra government has extended lockdown in the state for 15 more days. The FWICE wrote in the letter that the film body sent numerous requests regarding the resumption of work but nothing happened. ## "With reference to the subject matter, we would like to draw your attention to the numerous requests sent to you by the FWICE and the coordination committee regarding our request for resumption of work in the M&E Industry. However, none of our letters have been responded to by your good office and no decision has been taken on our requests", FWICE wrote in the letter signed by Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit, President BN Tiwari, Chief Advisor Sharad Shelar, General Secretary Ashok Dubey, and Treasurer Gangeshwar Shrivastav. ## "Sir, let us apprise you that there are lakhs of artists, workers, and technicians who are jobless for the past one and half years and that the only source of income for them is from the M&E Industry. This industry has been providing work to lakhs of hands and enabling their families to earn their daily bread. However, the lockdown of the Industry has impacted the lives of these daily wage workers who have absolutely no other source of income and are totally dependent on the work of the Industry". ## "The announcement of the extension of the lockdown for another 15 days shall really be a setback for these deprived set of artists, workers and technicians and also the economy of the Industry. Not only the workers but the producers are also affected badly with huge investments already made into the running projects which have been to a standstill due to the unfortunate lockdown". ## "We being the mother body of 32 different crafts of artists, workers, and technicians of the industry have been receiving numerous calls from our members regarding their difficult survival conditions and requesting us to start the work of the Industry", the letter read. ## The FWICE assured the government that all the rules and regulations of the Government shall be followed by each and every crew member and all necessary precautions shall be taken at each work location.## Stay tuned...

Uddhav Thackeray Assures World-Class Facilities For The Entertainment Industry In Mumbai Bollywood
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Uddhav Thackeray Assures World-Class Facilities For The Entertainment Industry In Mumbai

Amid the row criticism of the entertainment industry in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that they will create an environment to give world-class facilities to the entertainment sector and to enable it to produce quality films and content for a major boost. ## He said the government will soon consult all stakeholders in the film and entertainment industry to work together on creating mega-facilities and even scout for a suitable location for the purpose.## "Film production in Maharashtra must of the best quality. For that, you need technology and space. Make an action plan accordingly, set your priorities and we shall work it out", he said in his address at the webinar 'Envisioning Film & Media Entertainment Policy for Maharashtra', organized by the Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd, with the participation of several big names from the film and entertainment world.## "Today, for sound-mixing, people go to London... Why can't we have the same facilities in Mumbai? We will also work to set up affordable theatres and cinema houses in the state," Thackeray said.## Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that they will set up a mega film city in the Greater Noida, and for that, he met with top Bollywood names regarding the same. Thackeray's statement assumes significance against the backdrop of the UP government's plans to set up a mega Film City. To a query on this, he termed it as a good move.## "There is talk of taking Mumbai's Film City to UP. Take it there... If you have the capability, definitely do it. However, in Maharashtra we will ensure that what come out is quality", Thackeray declared. ## Acknowledging the contributions of the entertainment industry, Uddhav Thackeray said that it has helped people in the time of distress and have always made them smile. He further said that now, it is time for the government to stand with this industry and wipe the film industry's tears. ## Stay tuned...

Kangana Ranaut Hits Out At Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray For His 'Ganja' Remark On Himachal Pradesh With A Series Of Tweets Bollywood
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Kangana Ranaut Hits Out At Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray For His 'Ganja' Remark On Himachal Pradesh With A Series Of Tweets

Maharashtra Cheif Minister, Uddhav Thackeray commented on the actress Kangana Ranaut and her statements made in the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case. The Shiv Sena leader spoke at the annual Dussehra rally of the party on Sunday (October 25) and referred to the actor's infamous 'PoK' tweet without taking her name. ## Thackeray defended Mumbai Police and mentioned those 'crying for justice'. He said as reported by India.com, "Mumbai is PoK, there are drug addicts everywhere – they are painting such a picture. They don't know in our house we grow tulsi, not ganja. Ganja fields are in your state, you know where not in our Maharashtra". ## Now the actress has hit out at the CM and said that Himachal Pradesh is a land of Gods with a Zero crime rate (Kangana stated). She also said that the CM should be ashamed of himself for indulging in petty fights and using his power to damage and humiliate people who don't agree with him. ## "You being a leader having such a vengeful, myopic and ill informed views about a state which has has been the abode of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati along with many great saints like Markandya and Manu Rishi, Pandavas spent large part of their exile in Himachal Pardesh", Kangana wrote. ## "You should be ashamed of yourself chief minister, being a public servant you are indulging in petty fights, using your power to insult, damage and humiliate people who don’t agree with you, you don’t deserve the chair you have acquired by playing dirty politics. SHAME", she added.## She continued on saying, "I am overwhelmed at this open bullying by a working CM so there is a typo in first tweet, it should be no crime in Himachal, yes clarifying again we don’t have poor or very rich people or any crimes in Himachal, it’s a spiritual place with very innocent and kind people".## I am overwhelmed at this open bullying by a working CM so there is a typo in first tweet, it should be no crime in Himachal, yes clarifying again we don’t have poor or very rich people or any crimes in Himachal, it’s a spiritual place with very innocent and kind people..— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) October 26, 2020 ## She accused Uddhav Thackeray of dividing the country who has made the CM of the state and said that just like Himanchal Pradesh, Mumbai also belongs to each and every people as it is their democratic right. ## "Look at the audacity of a working CM he is dividing the country who has made him Maharashtra ka thekedaar? He is just a public servant there was someone else before him soon he will be out someone else will come to serve the state, why is he behaving like he owns Maharashtra?", she said. ## Look at the audacity of a working CM he is dividing the country who has made him Maharashtra ka thekedaar? He is just a public servant there was someone else before him soon he will be out someone else will come to serve the state, why is he behaving like he owns Maharashtra?— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) October 26, 2020 ## "Just how beauty of Himalayas belongs to every Indian, opportunities that Mumbai offers too belongs to each one of us, both are my homes, Uddhav Thackeray don’t you dare to snatch our democratic rights and divide us, your filthy speeches are a vulgar display of your incompetence..", she concluded saying. ## Just how beauty of Himalayas belongs to every Indian, opportunities that Mumbai offers too belongs to each one of us, both are my homes, Uddhav Thackeray don’t you dare to snatch our democratic rights and divide us, your filthy speeches are a vulgar display of your incompetence..— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) October 26, 2020 ## Kangana has been vocal about the Sushant Singh Rajput death case as well. She had joined the voices demanding a CBI investigation into the death case which was being probed by the Mumbai Police who had declared it a case of suicide in its preliminary investigation.## Defending Mumbai Police in his statements, Thackeray said, "I'm proud of my Mumbai Police. The police who caught a terrorist alive – the only police. I'm proud of the police. Mumbai has become PoK they say. So this is also an insult to PM. He had said will bring PoK to India. It has been six years so it is his failure".## Stay tuned...

FWICE writes to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray proposing guidelines for the resumption of work in the entertainment industry Bollywood
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FWICE writes to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray proposing guidelines for the resumption of work in the entertainment industry

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to the chief minister of Maharashtra state Shri Uddhav Thackeray in which the federation has proposed the guidelines for the resumption of work in the media and entertainment industry post lockdown. ## The federation has proposed 24 points in front of the CM which should be followed once the production work resumes. The proposed points are (a few of them)-## 1. All necessary medical checkups to be mandatory for all the crafts and crew entering the sets while shoots. ## 2. All the necessary personal care equipment such as face mask/shields, hand sanitizer, etc. should be provided to all the crew members by the producers. ## 3. Healthy and hygiene food to be provided to all the craft and crew members on the sets by the producers. ## 4. Lesser crew members to be allowed on the indoor shoots. ## 5. All the equipment on the production units should be sanitized at regular intervals. ## 6. Ideally, all unit members to get a negative COVID test report to be allowed on the shoot, and post.## 7. Outstanding dues amount should be cleared by the producers before starting the shoots and the payment should be made within 30 days of the shoot. ## 8. People aged 60 years and above and pregnant women to be restricted on the set for 4 months from the date of start. ## 9. Monthly payment to be cleared end every month. ## 10. Daily wages workers payment to be cleared on a daily basis. ## 11. Minimum Life Insurance Guarantee of Rs. 50 Lakh.## 12. Ambulance, doctor, and nurse compulsory on every set. ## 13. Visitors strictly prohibited. ## 14. Any person found COVID +ve during the shoots or during his travel of shoots should be mandatorily given treatment in a private hospital. ## 15. 8 hours shift. Work to be divided into two shifts a day. Mandatorily people should be changed per shift. ## #FWICE writes to Shri #UddhavThackeray, Hon Chief Minister of #Maharashtra... Submits proposed guidelines when work resumes in entertainment industry... pic.twitter.com/CXcWgG56ib— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) May 26, 2020 ## Recently, the FWICE had written to CM Uddhav Thackeray in which the Federation had appealed to CM to conduct a joint meeting with the stakeholders of the entertainment industry.## Before that, CM Uddhav Thackeray had contracted with the artistes & producers from the entertainment industry especially Marathi film, theatre & television series via video conference on May 20 in which, the CM said that state will consider any action plan to allow to resume the post-production work proposed to them according to the government's guidelines.## Stay tuned...

FWICE appeals Hon CM of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray to conduct a joint meeting with stakeholders of entertainment industry Bollywood
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FWICE appeals Hon CM of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray to conduct a joint meeting with stakeholders of entertainment industry

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has appealed to the honorable chief minister of Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray to conduct a joint meeting with the stakeholders of the entertainment industry. ## The federation has issued a statement urging the CM to hold a meeting with the entertainment industry to discuss the resumption of post-production activities which has been halted due to coronavirus outbreak and the nationwide lockdown. ## According to the statement issued by FWICE, the stakeholders shall include the representation from the all producers bodies such as Producers Guild of India (PGI), Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA), India Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), and Western India Film Producers Association (WIFPA).## Sony Entertainment Television (SET), ZEE, Star, and Viacom18 will represent the broadcast industry.## IMPORTANT... #FWICE appeals to Shri Uddhav Thackeray ji - Hon Chief Minister of #Maharashtra - to have a joint meeting with all stake holders of the entertainment industry... pic.twitter.com/peYhhW1VXx— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) May 21, 2020 ## Meanwhile, yesterday (May 20), CM Uddhav Thackeray had contracted with the artistes & producers from the entertainment industry especially Marathi film, theatre & television series via video conference today in which, the CM said that state will consider any action plan to allow to resume the post-production work proposed to them according to the government's guidelines. ## He also said that the state firmly stands with the technicians, backstage artists, workers, and folk artists working in the film industry in this crisis. ## FYI, the shooting of the films and production activities remained suspended since mid-March in the whack of coronavirus outbreak in India. ## Stay tuned...