Star Cineplex set to open new branches

At a time when the country’s film exhibition sector is shrinking due to the steady closure of single-screen cinemas, Star Cineplex is offering a ray of hope. 

Preparations are underway to open three new multiplexes in three districts, with plans to welcome audiences around Eid. Of these, two multiplexes are being built in Narayanganj and Bogura by the country’s leading exhibition chain. 

Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, senior manager (Marketing) of Star Cineplex, said the under-construction branch at Simanto Tower in the Jalkuri area of Narayanganj will feature three screens. If everything goes according to plan, it will be opened to the public this Eid-ul-Fitr. At the same time, construction is progressing on another Star Cineplex branch at Police Plaza in Bogura. That venue will have two screens and is expected to open within the current year.

Speaking about the launch of new theatres at a time when cinema halls are disappearing nationwide, Mesbah Uddin Ahmed said, “Star Cineplex had earlier announced plans to operate 100 screens across the country. Although work on the Narayanganj and Bogura projects began quite some time ago, completion was delayed due to various reasons.”

He added that while major cities are being prioritised initially, there are plans to expand multiplexes to district and upazila levels in the future. “We believe that opening new halls will help increase cinema audiences,” he said.

Meanwhile, construction of Padma Cineplex at Jajira in Shariatpur, near the Padma Bridge South Police Station, is also nearing completion. Owner and film producer Mohammad Iqbal said around 90 per cent of the work has been completed and preparations are underway to inaugurate the multiplex this Eid-ul-Azha. He noted that the initiative was taken in response to audience demand, as there is currently no multiplex in the area.