Kashmir and Bollywood have an age-old connection, but going to the cinema is a thing of the past in the Valley as the rise of extremism has put cinema on the back burner.But local entrepreneurs are now taking steps to revive the film culture in its former state.On Tuesday, the Valley’s first multiplex will open in Srinagar, featuring Aamir Khanstarrer Lal Singh Chadda.
This is the first time in years that people will be able to walk into a movie theater and catch some action on the big screen. Over the past 30 years, many cinemas have attempted to renovate their theaters, but extremist threats and lack of public interest have forced them to close.
“The culture of watching movies together as a family has been lost. We are trying to provide a comfortable place in Kashmir for young and old to fully enjoy their entertainment,” said the owner of the new multiplex. said Vijay Dhar. news 18.
Dar, a Kashmiri Pandit, started one of the best schools in Srinagar many years ago. Many of his closest friends advised him not to go to militant-ravaged Kashmir. A movie fan, he recalls spending time on the set of many top Gloucesters in the 70’s and his 80’s.
“Bollywood and Kashmir have old connections. The first movie I remember was filmed here berthart Raj Kapoor later inspired Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip saab and Dharmendra to shoot here. They became my friends,” he said, adding that he wanted to build a state-of-the-art cinema for the entertainment-hungry people of Kashmir.
He added, “We want to revive cinema in Kashmir. 50% of people have never seen a movie in a cinema.”
From 1990 to 2018, many owners tried to reopen their cinemas, but had to close within months. Before the war, Srinagar had 10 cinemas (one each in Anantnag, Sopole and Kupwara), but when violence wreaked havoc in the valley in 1989, militants called ‘Allah’s Tigers’ The organization has banned the movie. The owner and staff lost their jobs and it took years to get back on their feet.
“We will launch cinemas in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from entertainment, young people will be exposed to infotainment and education,” said J&K Deputy Governor Manoj Sinha. , in opening auditoriums or temporary cinemas in Pulwama and Chopian.
But it’s the Srinagar multiplex that’s getting the spotlight. “We are all set for launch,” said Ehsan Ahmad, who closely monitors work at the Shivpora district multiplex.
It seats 520 and is located very close to Army Headquarters – 15 Corps, aka Chinese Corps. This is a secure area with 24-hour surveillance. The multiplex has his three auditoriums, two of which show Aamir Khan films on Tuesdays.
The staff said they were requested to perform the latest Aamir Khan film as Aamir Khan did the filming at DPS in Srinagar.
Ahmad said there will be select screenings on Tuesday, but cinemas will open to the public on Sept. 30. We are even thinking of doing a children’s film,” he added. “We want our films to be enjoyed by all sections of society.”
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