Baramulla, July 15: In a remarkable development following the abrogation of Article 370, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated two 100-seater multipurpose cinema halls in Baramulla and Handwara, marking the revival of cinema culture in the region.
This momentous occasion comes after a hiatus of over three decades since the last cinema hall in Baramulla closed its doors. Last year, the Lt. Governor rekindled the love for movies by inaugurating cinema halls in Shopian and Pulwama, and in 2022, a private multiplex was established in Srinagar.
Underscoring his commitment to providing a cinematic experience to all districts, the Lt. Governor pledged to set up cinema halls across Jammu and Kashmir.
Congratulating the people of Baramulla and Handwara on this significant achievement, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that the new cinema halls reflect the growing aspirations of the region. The long-awaited return of cinematic entertainment in Baramulla was met with great excitement and anticipation, as residents had long been deprived of this form of recreation. The inaugural show at the cinema featured the highly anticipated film ‘Pathan,’ adding a touch of grandeur to the occasion.
The versatile cinema hall, located at Maqbool Sherwani Hall in Baramulla, was inaugurated by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha. He highlighted the fact that it had been three decades since Baramulla had a cinema hall of this magnitude.
“The cinema hall at Baramulla will not only provide entertainment but also serve as a valuable educational and recreational resource for young individuals aspiring to excel in areas such as education, technology, and art,” he added.
The revival of cinema in Baramulla is viewed as a momentous development, filling a void in the entertainment options for local residents. Abdul Hameed, a resident of Baramulla, expressed his belief that the cinema’s reintroduction would reignite the joy and excitement associated with the big-screen experience in this northern district of Kashmir. Eager to immerse themselves in the captivating storyline and stellar performances of ‘Pathan,’ hundreds of moviegoers thronged the cinema on its opening day.
The presence of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha during the inauguration added to the significance of the event.
Safina Baig, Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC) in Baramulla, stated that the conversion of Sherwani Hall into a cinema symbolizes the administration’s dedication to fostering social and economic growth in the region.
“The introduction of a cinema in Baramulla will provide much-needed recreational opportunities for our youth. Instead of spending their leisure time on mobile devices or engaging in harmful activities such as drug abuse, young individuals can now enjoy their free time at the cinema and engage in a healthier form of entertainment,” added Safeena.
Omar Kakroo, President of the Municipal Council in Baramulla, expressed optimism about the town’s future, remarking that the revival of cinema after 33 years would not only provide entertainment but also contribute to social and economic growth. Kakroo anticipated that the reopening of the cinema would generate employment opportunities and stimulate the local economy through increased footfall and spending at nearby businesses.
Rahul Nehra, the founding managing director of Jadooz, expressed his satisfaction with the response from the people of Baramulla to the screening of ‘Pathan’ at the cinema. “The first show was screened today, and the response from the people of Baramulla was great,” he said.
The revival of cinema in Baramulla signifies a significant step forward for the town’s cultural and entertainment landscape. Notably, there were two known cinemas in Baramulla town, Regina Cinema and Thimaya Hall, which closed in the 1990s due to violence in the region. With the recent inauguration of the Multipurpose Cinema Halls, Baramulla and Handwara are poised to enjoy a rejuvenated cinema culture, offering much-needed recreational opportunities and contributing to the overall development of the region.
