The latest Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starred Bollywood film, ‘Pathaan,’ has crowded cinema theatres in Srinagar to the brim. After nearly 32 years, Kashmiri filmgoers are flocking to the INOX multiplex in Srinagar to see this film.
INOX Srinagar opened last year with a special showing of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha,’ starring Aamir Khan. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated the multiplex on September 20 of last year.
While speaking with ANI, a local cinema enthusiast stated, “They are happy that after almost 32 years they have been watching movies like ‘Pathaan’ in this multiplex and hope cinema culture will gradually increase across Kashmir valley.
“We didn’t expect such a response. Cinema culture is growing fast here, which is a good thing. All the shows are going housefull. We hope the shows will continue to be housefull next week as well,” said Vikas Dhar, owner of INOX Multiplex, Srinagar.
He continued, “I feel happy that our multiplex has been houseful for the last 4 days. Younger’s are coming in large numbers to watch this super hit film in this multiplex.” Dhar further stated that many more multiplexes should be built throughout the Kashmir valley.
Previously, Inox Leisure Ltd. posted on its Twitter account on January 26 about how the film has helped to churn money in Kashmir after a lengthy absence. The post read “Today, with #Pathaan frenzy gripping the nation, we are grateful to KING KHAN for bringing the treasured #HOUSEFULL sign back to the Kashmir Valley after 32 long years! Thank you ShahRukhKhan @iamsrk @thejohnabraham @deepikapadukone @YRF @PathaanTheFilm #YRF50.”
Before the militant surge that rocked Kashmir in 1989, forcing cinema hall owners to close their doors, Kashmirians used to go to theatres and enjoy cinema as much as the rest of the country. A militant group known as the ‘Allah Tigers’ banned cinemas, depriving the state’s young of their main source of pleasure for nearly three decades owing to political unrest.
Meanwhile, ‘Pathaan’ has garnered a big response from fans, and SRK’s fandom throughout the world has warmly welcomed the actor back to his film after four years. On its first day, the film also entered the Rs 100 crore club. With each passing day, ‘Pathaan’ sets a new record as audiences around the country exhibit their undying devotion for this spy thriller.
