CINEMA HALLS IN KHULNA
While there have been earlier reports of the number of movies dwindling each year, movie theatres continue to be places where people eagerly gather to catch the latest films. While Dhaka is the mainstream hub of the film industry, it makes one wonder how movie theatres fare outside the capital. Apart from Dhaka, Khulna, which is home to a wide range of cinema halls, is a popular destination for many film enthusiasts.
One theatre that stands out from the rest is Shonkho Cinema Hall. Built 35 years ago, it is known as Khulna's oldest theatre. It holds a capacity of 1000 seats and has a spectacular interior. The theatre holds premieres alongside theatres in Dhaka. Amongst the recent releases is Debi, which was screened at Shonkho for three weeks.
Another movie theatre situated in Prankendra is Sangeeta, which has been running for a long time, and is currently screening Shakib Khan's Super Hero. An employee working there stated that many Shakib Khan admirers come to the theatre to enjoy the film. However, he informed that business has dwindled considerably since its bustling era in the 1980s. “The cinema hall needs some improving, or else not everyone will be interested in coming here to watch movies,” commented one audience member.
One other cinema hall at the heart of Khulna city is Society, which has grown to be abandoned over the years. The theatre is filled with archaic equipment, and old, outdated films playing on the screen.
The oldest cinema hall to have stood the test of time is Liberty, now known as Liberty Cineplex. Built in 1956, the theatre houses 850 seats. Audience members around the theatre hold a deep appreciation for the establishment, stating that despite its age, it has managed to keep up with the times, making numerous enhancements along the way. Besides being one of the oldest movie theatres in Khulna, Liberty Cineplex is also the most innovative and modern.
Khulna once boasted 20 theatre halls, out of which only 6 have survived. Shonkho, Sangeeta, Liberty Cineplex, Society, Chitrali, and Janata continue to thrive.
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