The traditional Jhongkar cinema hall in Bogra’s Dhunat Upazila Sadar was closed for the past decade. On Saturday (April 20), the hall authorities adopted a novel approach to attract visitors by opening it at noon. A packet of biryani is available for free by buying a ticket of 100 rupees. The matter has given rise to discussions in the area, while the number of visitors is also increasing.
According to local sources, Jhangar cinema hall owned by Isa Khan was established in 1984 in Dhunot town. In 2014, the exhibition of films in the hall was stopped due to lack of audience. After a long decade, the authorities have again started showing films in Jhangkare from last April 20.
Presently, the film ‘Lipstick’ starring Adar Azad and Pooja Cherry, released this Eid-ul-Fitr, is being screened in the hall. The movie ‘Lipstick’ is produced by Kamruzzaman Roman.
Jhangar cinema hall has 500 seats. The price of each ticket is 100 rupees. Now a packet of biryani is being given to every visitor along with the ticket. The authority said that this free food system will continue for the next one month.
‘Lipstick’ film is being screened daily at 12 noon, 3 pm, 6 pm and 9 pm in the cinema hall. But due to extreme heat, the attendance of visitors is less at 12 noon and 3 pm every day. However, at 6 pm and 9 pm, the hall is full of visitors. The hall authorities say that the response from the audience has been as expected.
A visitor coming to the hall said, ‘I didn’t believe it at first. I heard from someone and came here to watch the movie. This is the first time that you get free biryani with a ticket in the cinema hall.
Imran Hossain, Managing Director of Dhunte Jhangar Cinema Hall said, We are getting good response for giving free biryani with tickets. We have taken this measure to attract visitors. Our business is not like before, but if the producers make good films, the audience will again go to the cinema halls. Besides, it is possible to turn around this business if you get government incentives.
