Chatra district in Jharkhand has long been associated with left-wing extremism. For years, this region had little space for leisure activities. Residents could not even enjoy the simple pleasure of watching a film on the big screen. That reality is now changing dramatically.
A District Transforms Its Social Landscape
Chatra prepares to welcome its first-ever movie theatre. This development represents a small but meaningful shift in the district's social fabric. With approximately sixteen lakh people spread across twelve blocks and two subdivisions, Chatra has historically lagged in development due to extremist violence.
Ironically, the district headquarters never had a single cinema hall despite existing for decades. People had to travel to neighboring Hazaribag, the state capital Ranchi, or even Bihar to watch movies in theatres. This long-standing gap will finally close.
Construction Underway for Digital Theatre
The district administration has initiated construction of a digital movie theatre. The local Zila Parishad serves as the nodal agency for this project. An administrative official confirmed that the construction agency has already been selected through a proper tender process.
Authorities will spend around eighty lakh rupees on developing basic infrastructure. This includes the main theatre structure, toilets, a food corner, box office, and ticket counter. The selected operating agency will bear all operational expenses.
Land for the project has been identified opposite Chatra College, near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Foundation work has already begun at this location.
Multiplex-Style Operations Planned
Braj Kishore Tiwary, Vice-president of the Zila Parishad, shared details about the new facility. The theatre will have a seating capacity of 140 people. It will operate similarly to a multiplex cinema.
"Apart from regular film screenings, the facility will also host special shows and educational programs," Tiwary explained. "School and college students can attend these programs by paying a prescribed fee."
Tiwary noted that Chatra might be the only district headquarters in India without a cinema hall until now. "We thank deputy commissioner Kirtishiree G for approving this project," he said. "Entertainment is essential for any district's residents. Chatra is finally ready for its first theatre."
The facility should open within the next two months according to current estimates.
Revenue Sharing Agreement Finalized
For operations, the district administration signed a memorandum of understanding with Picture Time. This Delhi-based entertainment company will manage the theatre. According to the agreement, eighty percent of generated revenue will go to the Zila Parishad. The operating company will retain the remaining twenty percent.
Deputy commissioner Kirtishiree G emphasized the initiative's purpose. "This project aims to restore entertainment facilities in Chatra district," she stated. "Currently, no movie-related entertainment exists here. Considering this reality, we planned the digital movie theatre."
The commissioner added that arrangements will include educational and informative films for school children alongside regular movie screenings.
This development marks a significant milestone for Chatra. After years defined by conflict and limited amenities, residents will soon enjoy modern entertainment options right in their district headquarters.
