The number of people who now visit the cinema has gone down.
LAHORE: I am a resident of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Lahore and am witness to the way the cinema in the area was successfully being run ever since it was set up. However, last year, just before Eidul Azha, the facility was closed down for three months by DHA. The reason for this was never made clear but the popular understanding was that it was done because the authority felt that there was a breach of contract by the cinema operator. However, up till that point, the cinema was being managed well, showing good new films and offering decent food.
Reportedly, the matter went to court and eventually the cinema reopened — but under new management. Since then, little or no new releases have been screened and most of those that are being shown are not very good. Also, the facility has deteriorated in terms of the services that it offers to movie-goers. As a consequence, the number of people who now visit the cinema has gone down as well.
Who is to blame for this because in the process thousands of residents of Lahore have lost a place where they could go watch good new movies?
Name withheld on request
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2012.
