Sylhet’s cinema halls face extinction as digital platforms, rising costs take a toll

Once vibrant entertainment hubs, Sylhet’s cinema halls now face an existential crisis amid falling audiences, rising costs, and the rise of digital platforms.

Industry insiders say most hall owners incur losses throughout the year, struggling to cover basic expenses such as electricity bills, staff salaries, and maintenance. As a result, many rely heavily on the festive seasons of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, when audience turnout temporarily increases.

However, even the seasonal boost offers limited relief. The income during Eid is not enough to offset year-round losses, said a hall owner, adding that the high cost of acquiring new releases often leads to further financial strain when expected ticket sales fail to materialise.

The decline is evident in Srimangal, where several once-popular halls have already shut down. Chitrali Cinema Hall and BDR Cinema Hall, both formerly key entertainment venues, have ceased operations and been repurposed for other uses, including commercial rentals and institutional facilities.

At its peak, the town had four cinema halls catering to audiences from all walks of life. Today, that culture has largely faded, with many residents no longer interested in visiting theatres.

Victoria Cinema Hall, one of the few remaining operational venues, is also facing severe challenges. Despite efforts to attract audiences during festive periods, its operators are struggling to maintain financial stability.

The hall is being kept open largely out of sentiment and family legacy, a source said, noting difficulties in paying staff wages.

Radhanath Cinema Hall presents a similar picture. Although still running with a small workforce, employees face uncertain livelihoods due to irregular income.

Manager Zahir Khandaker said the hall often remains closed due to a lack of quality films throughout the year.

“The audience is no longer like before. People now have everything on their smartphones,” he said. Viewers mostly prefer films starring Shakib Khan, and attendance drops significantly for other releases.

He added that rising film acquisition costs have discouraged owners from taking risks, even during Eid. “We are uncertain whether we can continue operations, as there is no guarantee of recovering the investment.”

Industry observers point to the rapid expansion of digital entertainment as a key factor behind the decline. Easy access to streaming content via smartphones, coupled with improved home entertainment systems, has significantly reduced the appeal of traditional cinema halls.

SK Das Suman, director of Victoria Cinema Hall, said the condition of many theatres has also contributed to the downturn.

“Most halls are now in a dilapidated state. What was once the primary source of entertainment has become a fading memory. Low-quality film production, lack of modern facilities, and failure to meet international standards have further driven audiences away.”

He estimated that nearly 90 percent of cinema halls in Sylhet division have already shut down, with the remaining few operating largely to preserve their legacy.

Experts and stakeholders believe that without policy support, technological upgrades, and consistent production of quality films, the sector may continue its downward trajectory.

Rafiqul Islam, 42, a shopkeeper, said, “I used to go to the cinema hall almost every week in my younger days. Now everything is available on mobile phones. Still, the experience of watching a movie on the big screen with others is completely different. It’s sad to see the halls disappearing.”

Shamima Akter, 28, a homemaker, said, “We only go to the cinema during Eid. The environment of most halls is not good enough for families. If the halls were cleaner and safer, more people like us would go regularly.”

Tanvir Ahmed, 22, a university student, said, “Honestly, we prefer streaming platforms because it’s more convenient and cheaper. But if good quality Bangla films are released and the halls are modernised, I would definitely go with friends.”

Abdul Karim, 55, a former regular viewer, said, “In the past, cinema halls were the main source of entertainment for people like us. After a long day of work, we would relax there. Now that culture is almost gone.”

A private employee, Mita Das, 35, said, “I think ticket prices should be more affordable and the halls need renovation. People are willing to come back, but the experience has to improve.”