Monihar Cinema Hall is a famous movie theater in Jessore in Bangladesh that has played an important role in the cinematic landscape of the country since its establishment. Jessore Monihar was opened on December 8, 1983 and gained huge popularity owing to its stylish architecture and extra-large hall. It has adapted and evolved over the years to meet modern needs and has recently been converted into a cineplex for an increased movie viewing experience for its patrons.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Monihar Cinema Hall was opened in 1983 and was a bit ahead of its time. The theater was designed by architect Kazi Mohammad Hanif and, when it opened with 1,430 seats, was one of the largest single-screen cinemas in the country. Movie lovers from not just Bangladesh, but also Japan, Korea, Australia, England, etc. flock to the theater due to its unique architecture and cutting-edge amenities.
The first screening in the newly opened theatre was Dewan Nazrul’s Johnny, featuring Sohel Rana and Babita. Monihar has over the years become a go-to place for premieres of films, mainly for Dhallywood, becoming a cultural establishment in and for Jessore.
Facing Challenges
While Jessore Monihar did great initially, it faced quite a few challenges over the years. The theater closed its doors temporarily in 2012 amid extortion-related security issues. The cinema management had since announced it was closing on an indefinite basis, saying it was no longer able to operate under such threats.
Despite these challenges, the management stood up to the challenge and the local community provided their provisions to help sail through it. Monihar re-opened and led the way as a premiere movie theatre in the region.
Also Read: Jessore District History
Monihar Cineplex Transition
With changing audience preferences and the need to modernize, Jessore Monihar was rebuilt and renovated extensively in 2024. The theatre was renamed Monihar Cineplex and includes a new 66-seat mini-theatre, complete with air conditioning, modern lighting and Dolby surround sound systems.
The Cineplex opened in November 2024, just in time for the premiere of the film Dorod. The upgrade made Monihar the first multiplex theatre of Jessore and the entire Khulna Division with modern sight-seeing of watching movies, yet keeping its heritage.
A Cultural Hub
Jessore Monihar is more than just a cinema in Jessore. This complex, spread over four bighas, has a community centre, a rest house, and 40 shops. Shadow and Bone also has architectural features in it; grand staircases and chandeliers, alluding to its philosophy of a 360-entertainment experience.
The fact that Jessore Monihar is still around, where many other cinemas around are closing down, proves how important it is. The legacy, however, won’t stop here as people from within the country and beyond have been continuously visiting this and will continue to do so, as it remains an emblem of cinema and culture for Bangladesh.
Contact Information:
- Address: Monihar, Jessore – Narail Rd, Jessore 7400, Bangladesh
- Contact number: 01748-184898 / 01711-267575
- Website: www.moniharcinema.com
Monihar Cinema Hall in Jessore showcases the past glory of cinema, as well as the necessity to keep pace with the times. Jessore Monihar has been serving the people since it was started in 1983 till now, evolving through time to become a modern cineplex providing the audiences with the right kind of entertainment. With a rich legacy of history and continuous modernization it will continue to be a beloved institution in the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was Monihar Cinema Hall established?
Ans: It was established on December 8, 1983.
2. Who was the architect of Monihar Cinema Hall?
Ans: Kazi Mohammad Hanif designed it.
3. How many seats did Monihar originally have?
Ans: It had 1,430 seats.
4. What was the first movie shown at Monihar?
Ans: Johnny by Dewan Nazrul.
5. Why did Monihar temporarily close in 2012?
Ans: Due to extortion-related security issues.
6. When was Monihar converted into a cineplex?
Ans: In 2024.
7. What new features were added during the renovation?
Ans: A 66-seat mini-theatre with modern amenities.
8. What is Monihar’s contact number?
Ans: 01748-184898 / 01711-267575.
9. What makes Monihar Cineplex unique in Jessore and Khulna?
Ans: It’s the first multiplex in the region.
10. What facilities are available at the Monihar complex?
Ans: A community centre, rest house, and 40 shops.
