JONAKI CINEMA HALL

Jonaki Cinema Hall

  • Jonaki Cinema Hall, established in 1937, is the first movie theatre in Assam, is located in Tezpur.
  • It symbolizes the visionary spirit of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, a pioneer of Assamese cinema and culture.

Historical Significance:

  • Jonaki was built after Jyoti Prasad Agarwala realized Assam lacked a permanent cinema hall for regular screenings.
  • The hall was constructed with local materials and inaugurated with the British film Elephant Boy in 1937.
  • It was named “Jonaki” as a metaphor for bringing light and entertainment to the region.

Cultural Impact:

  • Played a central role in Assam’s cinematic journey and cultural landscape.
  • Hosted several iconic films and witnessed the evolution of Assamese cinema.
  • Thrived during World War II, serving as an entertainment hub for Allied soldiers stationed in Tezpur.

Challenges and Decline:

  • Faced dwindling audiences due to limited local demand and structural weaknesses.
  • Closed temporarily and was revived in 1941 after renovations by Hridayananda Agarwala, Jyoti Prasad’s youngest brother.
  • By the 1980s and 1990s, the rise of television, home videos, and multiplexes overshadowed single-screen theatres like Jonaki.
  • Entered a period of neglect with declining financial viability and audience turnout.

Attempts at Revival:

  • In 2009, Jonaki transitioned to the digital era, screening Slumdog Millionaire, regaining some of its former glory.
  • The Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation allocated ₹50 lakh for renovation in 2019, but no significant progress has been made.

Current Scenario:

  • The hall remains in a dilapidated state, with minimal efforts towards renovation or reopening.
  • Conscious citizens and cultural activists continue to urge the government to restore this iconic heritage site.

Way Forward:

  • Jonaki Cinema Hall is a cultural monument that reflects Assam’s cinematic history and the pioneering vision of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala.
  • Immediate government intervention is required to revive Jonaki, preserve Assamese heritage, and reignite pride in this cultural institution.

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