Rangpur loses its last cinema hall

Shapla Talkies, the last operational cinema hall in Rangpur, has permanently closed, leaving the divisional city without a single movie theatre.

The hall was shut down on Friday, its management confirmed on Saturday.

Established on June 16, 1978, Shapla Talkies was founded by businessman Masum Mia. After his death in 2007, the hall was managed by his family and later operated under lease by film producer Kamal Hossain.

Owner’s representative Saidur Rahman Sumon said the decision to close the hall followed discussions with local business leaders. He cited allegations of immoral activities on the premises while the hall was under lease, along with its declining condition.

The closure also reflects the long-term decline of cinema halls in Rangpur. Two decades ago, the city and surrounding areas had more than a dozen theatres, all of which have gradually shut down because of falling audiences and financial losses.

Shapla Talkies was the last surviving cinema hall in Rangpur, marking the end of an era for the city’s traditional big-screen film exhibition.