Multiplex plan shelved - Minar-Bijoli-Chhabighar chain of cinemas to reopen

There were pans to convert the Minar-Bijoli-Chhabighar chain of cinemas in Kolkata into multiplexes and, that has apparently been shelved because of demonetization. In 2017, this chain of cinema halls is expected to reopen.
Minar and Bijoli theatres had downed shutters on July 1, along with Chhabighar - these will reopen next year in their original single-screen theatre format.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 21 December 2016.

The chain of cinemas had suffered losses and had plans to convert the cinema halls to two-screen multiplexes attached with shopping malls. But, after demonetization, those who were involved in building the malls went on the backfoot. The owner has decided to reopen the cinemas as they were.
Movie buffs of a certain age will recall that the Minar-Bijoli-Chhabighar chain meant watching first-day first-shows of Uttam-Suchitra blockbusters. Closure of these theatres had been a huge blow to them. Hence, news of their reopening means an ideal situation - blues of demonetization have become a blessing in disguise.
Haripriya Pal had built Chhabighar in 1930 and, later, added Bijoli in 1935 and Minar in 1942. The were single-screen halls and did good business. Bijoli could accommodate more than 900 viewers, while Minar and Chhabighar had a capacity of 850 plus and 670 viewers respectively.
If everything goes right, the halls will reopen in January.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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