Lights, camera, nostalgia: Karachi to get drive-in cinema culture back

Sindh government also eyes water sports, safari tourism, festival revival across province

There’s some welcome news for the people of Karachi as the Sindh Government plans to revive the nostalgic drive-in cinema experience.

Once a popular form of entertainment in the 1980s, drive-in cinemas offered families and friends a unique way to enjoy films under the open sky. For many, it wasn’t just about watching a movie; it was about the atmosphere, the outing, and the shared experience. Bringing this concept back could reconnect the city with a piece of its cultural past while introducing it to a younger, more trend-driven audience.

 

 

 

 

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Back in the day, drive-in cinemas were a major attraction, but over time, their charm faded. The rise of indoor multiplexes, the growing popularity of VCRs, and rapid urban development all played a role in their decline.

Many of the spaces that once hosted these cinemas were eventually repurposed. A well-known example is the site near Dalmia Road, which was transformed into marriage halls, residential buildings, and other commercial projects.

As the city expanded, spaces dedicated to arts and culture slowly gave way to more immediate economic uses.

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The proposed revival comes at a time when there is a growing conversation around preserving and promoting cultural spaces in Karachi.

Read: Sindh instructs hotels, restaurants to avoid rent and price hikes amid fuel crisis

The Sindh Government has also shared plans to expand its focus beyond cinemas. Initiatives under consideration include promoting water sports in the lakes of interior Sindh, encouraging safari-style tourism in Sukkur, and working on the revival of institutions like the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, along with public libraries.

There is also talk of bringing back festivals that were once an important part of the region’s cultural identity but have gradually faded over time.

 

 

 

 

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If carried out thoughtfully, these efforts could breathe new life into Karachi’s cultural scene.

A revived drive-in cinema, in particular, has the potential to become more than just a place to watch films; it could turn into a social hub, attracting families, young people, and tourists alike. At a broader level, such initiatives can help restore a sense of balance between development and cultural preservation.

This move could also boost tourism, drawing visitors from across the country and even internationally. More importantly, it signals a shift in focus, recognising that culture, arts, and shared public experiences are just as important to a city’s identity as its infrastructure.