Show Marathi movies or pay Rs 10 lakh fine, theatres told

MUMBAI: In a bid to give a boost to the Marathi film industry, the state government on Wednesday decided that cinema hall and theatre owners will be fined Rs 10 lakh at the time of licence renewal if they do not show Marathi films for four weeks in a year.
The decision was announced at a meeting held by state culture minister Sudhir Mungantiwar regarding providing cinema halls and prime time for Marathi films.
"It was decided to notify the home department in that regard. It was also decided not to increase the rent in single-screen cinemas... there was a detailed discussion about promoting Marathi films. Directors, producers, distributors and other officials were present in the meeting," Mungantiwar said.