Play store
The curtain has fallen on Shapla Talkies, Rangpur’s last remaining cinema hall, ending a 48-year chapter in the city’s film exhibition history. The hall officially ceased operations on Friday (July 31) due to mounting financial losses and controversy surrounding the premises, leaving the divisional city without a single operational movie theatre.
Hall manager Shahabuddin confirmed the closure on Saturday night, saying revenue from ticket sales was no longer enough to cover rent, electricity bills and staff salaries.
“The losses had become unbearable, making it impossible to continue operations,” he said, adding that the final film screened at the hall was Bolbo Kotha Basor Ghore.
The closure comes months after a controversial incident on April 19, when police detained 37 people from specially constructed rooms on the third floor of the building over allegations of immoral activities. The incident sparked speculation that the hall might be forced to close permanently.
Representing the owners, Saidur Rahman Sumon said film producer Kamal Hossain had been operating the hall under a rental agreement but was accused of violating the contract by allowing alleged unethical activities in an attempt to offset financial losses.
“The allegations tarnished the reputation of the owner’s family. After several meetings with leaders of the Rangpur Chamber of Commerce, the family decided to shut the hall permanently,” he said.
Established on June 16, 1978, Shapla Talkies was inaugurated by then Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahe Alam with the screening of the film Bosundhora. Built by founder Nazrul Islam Masum to provide quality entertainment, the theatre quickly became one of Rangpur’s most popular cultural venues, attracting moviegoers from neighbouring districts thanks to its modern facilities and comfortable environment.
Rangpur once had a thriving cinema culture, with around 10 theatres, including Modern Hall, Dordi Hall, Oriental, Lokkhi Talkies, Noor Mahal (Akash Cinema Hall), China Talkies and Sena Hall. As digital entertainment expanded and the cinema business declined, the halls gradually shut down one after another.
Even in 2011, Shapla Talkies, Dordi Hall and Lokkhi Cinema Hall were still operating, but eventually only Shapla remained.
The theatre had briefly reopened in 2022 after a three-month closure with the release of Shoshurbari Zindabad 2. This time, however, its closure appears to be permanent.
With the gates now locked, the end of Shapla Talkies marks the conclusion of an era for cinema exhibition in Rangpur.
