There are many reasons for the loss of single screen cinemas in the city, the major reason being the rise of multiplexes, better technology and quality, and most importantly the range of options that multiplexes provide to us.
It’s clearly impossible to find the time in our busy schedules to go and watch movies with the 4 restricted show timings of 9 am, 12 noon, 3 pm and 9 pm. Movies are shorter now and you will hardly find anyone who will say “3 sei 6 wala show chale?”
JAIPUR BEAT went on throwback ride along the city and visited the oldest cinema Halls of Jaipur. Some are working, a few have been renovated and some are just abandoned or in ruins. Just to live the forgotten nostalgia, we are here with a glimpse of some of these forgotten cinemas of the Pink City. If you are one of those few “cinephiles” and die-hard movie lovers then maybe you could skip the multiplex next time and go watch a movie in one of these old cinemas of Jaipur which may still be operating. You might not get the same comfort as a multiplex, but this definitely could be a different experience
Prem Prakash – now Golcha
Situated in Chaura Raasta this movie hall got famous among Jaipurities for its biggest screen in the city and the delicious samosa which is now sold as Prem Prakash samosa . It has been converted from a single screen to multi screen theatre now.
Gem Cinema
This cinema lost its battle to multiplexes and is now closed permanently and is used as a parking spot for Saraogi Mansion, Bapu Bazaar and nearby areas.
Polo victory
Close to Sindhi Camp bus station, this was one of the first cinemas of the city to be renovated to comply with the multiplex culture which came up in the city.
Man Prakash
While crossing the police memorial at Ajmeri Gate you would never think that instead of GTC which is a shopping complex there actually used to be a really famous cinema of Jaipur called Man Prakash.
Ram Prakash Cinema
The oldest cinema in Jaipur this was originally built as a theatre to adhere to the growing demand for entertainment in the budding city. This old cinema with its Indian architecture is situated at Chandni Ki Taksal. It is closed and abandoned now.
Moti Mahal cinema
Located in Bani Park on Sawai Jai Singh highway, this old cinema with its distinctive building is no longer working with some construction work going on.
Kohinoor Cineplex
One of the first few cinemas opened in Sanganer area, this theatre named a world famous diamond found in India has been renovated recently and is still showing movies.
Lakshmi Mandir
An old cinema hall in Tonk Phatak, it was a famous among movie goers of Jaipur which is now getting renovated.
Ankur Cinema
Situated near Ghat Gate this cinema hall is working but definitely off the limits as they hardly show Bollywood movies.
Minerva
Named after a Roman goddess this old cinema near Sanganeri Gate is permanently closed and is used for parking now.
Paras Cinema
Situated at Amer road this single screen theatre with its pink building is still showing movies.
Samrat
The oldest theatre in Brahmapuri area, this theatre with its uncommon architecture is closed indefinitely.
Sangam
This small establishment at Dada Bari road is permanently shut but what caught our attention was the place for posters with “chal raha hai” and “aara hai” written above it.