The Maharashtra government on Thursday ordered cinema managements to suspend screening of films under further orders as the film industry ground to a halt following the terror strike in the city that has left at least 101 people dead.

The Maharashtra government has issued an order directing managements of both single screen theatres and multiplexes to suspend the screening of movies until further orders as a security measure.

“We have decided to close the industry for a day as a mark of tribute to those innocent people who died due to indiscriminate firings by the terrorists and to the police officers and constables who fell to their bullets during the shootout. We condemn the heinous act,” a joint statement issued by all the associations of the film industry said.

The most audacious terror strike in the city began on Wednesday night, when militants attacked high profile landmarks in the city, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, the Metro Theatre and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station.

Among the many people who are awaiting the release of their family members from the clutches of the terrorists here is Bollywood actor Ashish Chaudhary, whose sister and brother-in-law are held hostage at the Oberoi Trident Hotel.

‘My sister Monica and her husband have been inside the hotel along with maybe 40 other hostages. They came here for dinner last night, but now they are not answering any calls,’ he told a news channel Thursday.

‘My parents have been here since last night and when we last heard from them, they told us that they have seen two terrorists and have heard a lot of gun shots. I didn’t come at night fearing there will be panic, but since morning I have been standing here, waiting for them to be released,’ he added. Read more »