Movies return to Jammu and Kashmir after 30 years: Valley opens its door to first multiplex

Despite reports of disturbances and repeated conflicts in the area, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will now be able to enjoy the simple pleasure of watching a movie in the multiplex after thirty years of forced exile from movie theatres.

As a special treat for all Kashmiris, the first multiplex in the valley was opened in Srinagar after a thirty-year break from movies. Kashmir’s much-awaited first multiplex is all set to open today after its inauguration by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

With the opening of the multiplex which is designed by INOX, in Srinagar, Kashmiris will get a chance to see movies on the big screen after more than three decades. Earlier, according to an official, three large auditoriums have been built in the multiplex with a seating capacity of more than 500 people at a time.

The auditorium has been provided with the Dolby Atmos digital sound system giving the viewers surround sound for the best movie experience. The Kashmiri handicrafts of ‘khatamband’ and ‘papier mache’ have been used in the cinema hall, which stands out.

A food court is also being made for the people visiting the multiplex, said the official. Chairman of the project, Vijay Dhar had said that the youngsters should get the same facilities in the cinema that they get outside Kashmir.

"We saw there had been no such thing here for 30 years. Did we think why not? So we`ve just started. The youngsters should get the same facilities in the cinema which they get in Jammu or in other towns of the country," he said.

Dhar said that the people of Kashmir have suffered from mental stress for years and therefore it was important for the people to have multiplexes for entertainment. Notably, J-K was a preferred destination for the moviemakers, which diminished due to militancy in the region during the 1990s.

According to the official, the locals here often went to watch movies earlier and hoped for peace and brotherhood to prevail in the Valley like before.

The setting up of a multiplex in Kashmir, which has seen terrorism for a long time from the other side of the border, comes three years after the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, the theatres in the Valley had shut in 1990 due to the rise in militancy.

Earlier in August, Speaking to ANI, Project manager, Vishaq said, "We are starting the first multiplex in Kashmir designed by INOX. There are three auditoriums in which the latest sound systems are installed. A silver screen is being used. Recliner seats, as well as normal chairs, are also made available."

(With ANI inputs)

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