Sambalpur: Sambalpur Has Become a City With No Theaters; Residents’ Movie Experience Now Limited to the Internet

The Decline of Cinema Culture in Sambalpur

Sambalpur: There was a time when people in Sambalpur eagerly visited cinema halls to watch movies. Multiple theatres in big cities ran films regularly. However, the situation has now changed drastically. The city of Sambalpur no longer has a single functioning cinema hall. Over the years, the three major theatres Gaiety Talkies, Ashoka Talkies, and Lakshmi Talkies shut down completely, erasing their presence from the city. As a result, cinema lovers and artists have expressed deep concern.

Impact on Entertainment and Local Employment

With the closure of cinema halls, not only has entertainment suffered, but also local employment opportunities. Experts believe that the film industry is not just about culture and art but also a major business sector. Previously, each cinema hall employed around 30 to 40 workers in different roles. Additionally, people from nearby areas used to visit Sambalpur to watch films, indirectly supporting small and large businesses. The lack of theatres has negatively impacted the city’s economy.

A Shift Towards Online Streaming

After cinema halls shut down, some makeshift screening options were introduced. For a few years, alternative digital screenings, like ‘Eylex’, attracted large crowds. However, even these stopped operating recently. Now, the residents of Sambalpur rely solely on the internet to watch movies.

Experts Demand Government Intervention

Senior artists and cultural figures, including Dhanuyatra playwright and director Bablu Bag, have drawn attention to this issue. They argue that a city like Sambalpur should have at least six operational theatres. The Odisha government must promote the film industry like South India does. If the government offers subsidies for theatre construction, young entrepreneurs might take an interest in investing. This would not only generate revenue for the government but also create direct and indirect job opportunities.