Bhubaneswar: The temple city of Puri, once central to the origins of Odia cinema, today has no operational cinema halls—marking a striking cultural void.
It was at Laxmi Talkies that Sita Bibaha premiered on April 28, 1936, a milestone in the history of regional cinema. Today, the same theatre stands damaged and abandoned, symbolising the decline of single-screen culture in the city.
Puri once had five cinema halls, all of which have shut down over time. A major blow came after the Cyclone Fani, which severely damaged Laxmi Talkies. Theatre owners cite high restoration costs and lack of financial support as key hurdles in reviving the structure.
Additional factors contributing to the decline include reduced Odia film releases, falling footfall in theatres, and the rapid rise of OTT platforms and mobile-based entertainment. One cinema hall was also removed as part of the Srimandir Parikrama Project.
With no active screens remaining, residents and cinema enthusiasts are now urging authorities to step in and support the revival of at least one theatre, both to preserve cultural heritage and restore access to the cinematic experience in the city.
-OdishaAge
