PESHAWAR: The once booming and thriving cinema culture has almost over as only three cine-theatres are screening flicks in Peshawar and that too are limited to Eid festivals.

Most cinema houses built in the provincial metropolis in pre-partition era were owned by Hindu business tycoons and were recently razed to the ground. The venues of several cine-theatres were replaced by medical centres and shopping malls. About 12 cinema houses were dismantled in different parts of the city.

There used to be more than a dozen cinema houses in and around the provincial capital and most were built before partition but now only three cine-theatres are left to entertain cine-goers and that too only Eid festivals and most with old runs.

Social media provided countless alternatives for entertainment to people of all age groups and families where silver screen has lost its charm and pleasure to watch.

Experts say social media provides alternatives for entertainment to people

Seth Achram Ram Ghai, a Hindu businessman, was the first to have had built the first ever ‘Imperial Theatre’ way back in 1925 and a silent movie was run on its screen but later first ever Urdu ‘Talkie’ movie named ‘Alma Araa’ was released and with it began the golden age of cinema culture in 1931. This historic cine-theatre was renamed as ‘Novelty’ that was razed to the ground recently.

The story of several other cinema houses in and around the city is no different, including PF Cinema, Metro, Firdous, Naaz, Picture House, Amaan, Falaksair, Palwasha, Capital, Tasveer Mahal and Shamaa. The early 50s, 60s and 70s saw the rise while the late 90s witnessed the decline of cinema culture in Peshawar. Militancy over the years also contributed to decline of cinema culture as a few were bombed.

The city has now only three cinema houses namely Aaena, Sabirna and Arshad whose owners are the lone film investors, performers and promoters. They too complain of high taxes, power bills and other expenses. They may also deicide to stop producing movies owing to deep slump in the market.

Haji Aslam Khan, author of a book titled ‘Pakhto Filmoona’ told this scribe that there were more than 40 cinema houses in different cities and tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but they were razed down to the ground due to declining film industry. Pashto entertainment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffered many hardships and challenges. He said that top film performers were either dead or had quit the profession for good.

Old paraphernalia and equipment are no more in use. Social media easily accessible to every Tom Dick and Harry has even worsened the situation. “I believe it is unthinkable to revive cinema culture of the yester years. Spaces around the cities and towns reduced to restaurants, food streets, garments stores and shopping malls and entertainment came to a finger tip,” said Mr Khan.

Experts say that cinema houses in most cities in the country have been replaced by Cineplex’s while 3D digital film production is a new normal in the film industry because it occupies spaces with smart man power.

The old cinema houses required over 50 films releases for screening with large supportive staff and nonstop power for at least three show runs. It also needed huge amount from cast, editing and reels to outdoor shoots and hiring playback singers but nowadays, computer has made it easier, faster and smarter, occupying less space and attracts modern viewers.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2025