Shabir Ahmad
Srinagar, Sep 19: Decks have been cleared for opening of Kashmirs first multiplex and that will finally the people to view movies on giant screen.
On first day (Tuesday) there will be special screening of Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha at multiplex.
Though authorities made attempts to reopen some of the theatres in the late 1990s, terrorists thwarted such efforts by carrying out a deadly grenade attack on Regal Cinema in the heart of Lal Chowk in September 1999.
The Valley had nearly a dozen standalone cinema halls functioning till the late 1980s, but they had to wind up businesses after the owners were threatened by terrorists.
The Dhar family and INOX, one of the nation’s major film distributors and theatre chains, worked together to create the multiplex. Vijay Dhar, owner of INOX multiplex Srinagar, said they have done all preparations and Kashmir’s first multiplex will be opened on September 20 by LG Manoj Sinha and the first show will be on September 30 when the Hrithik Roshan-starred movie Vikram Vedha will be screened in the multiplex.
This multiplex will reintroduce moviegoing in theatres after a three-decade break.
This multiplex has three cinemas with a total seating capacity of at least 520 people. The most latest audio systems have been installed, and they are superbly built.
The INOX multiplex in Sonawar, Srinagar, is set to open after the finishing touches were done. “The purpose of restoring cinema in Kashmir is to provide future generations with the same entertainment accessible throughout the country,” said Dhar adding that this is for everyone so that they can all enjoy the entertainment.
“Our children should be happy. They must also scream and holler. With the exception of sports and food, he observed, there is nowhere one can find entertainment.”
In addition to modern amenities, the multiplex’s design will incorporate elements of Kashmiri culture, such as a paper-mache and khatamband ceiling. Food courts will also be used to showcase local cuisine.
“We have altered the design significantly and incorporated a Kashmiri touch, as well as cutting-edge infrastructure. We also hope to promote and encourage local food entrepreneurs in order to increase the popularity of our local cuisine , “he said. “We will run the business with qualified locals. It is important to promote our own Kashmiri brand.”
The Jammu & Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) has taken several initiatives to promote the UT as a leading destination for shooting and production of all feature and non-feature content films, digital content and television shows.
The list of deliverables for producers of incentivized films would include the incorporation of the logo of the Jammu & Kashmir Film Development Council, proof of which shall be enclosed along with the documents for subsidy.
According to the Film Policy, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is identifying catalogues and developing promising potential shooting locations that have aesthetic and cinematic appeal.
On Monday LG Sinha dedicated the multipurpose cinema halls of Pulwama and Shopian to the people, especially the younger generation of Kashmir. He believes they have waited a long time for this moment.
The new cinema halls will generate employment for locals and also provide a vibrant space for training of youth and seminars, the government said.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to make the youth empowered, the Lieutenant Governor said, the government is ensuring that the talented youth of J&K get the right platform and modern facilities for education and skill development.
