Did you know Kolkata is home to India's first movie hall? It is undeniable that Kolkata has a deep passion for films. The former home of Chaplin, Tiger, Lighthouse, New Empire, Globe, Roxy, Paradise, Elite, Metro, Lotus, Jyoti, Crown, New Cinema, Opera Show House, Society, and Majestic is now a quiet witness to two distinct fates for the city's single-screen cinemas.
It may surprise you to learn that Warner Brothers controlled the New Empire from 1970 to 1989. The Roxy Cinema has been given new life after signing a lease with KMC and a few developers, while the bottom floor of Paradise has been transformed into a fashion boutique.
Regal is now home to food joints such as KFC and Pizza Hut, while Elite, which was once the ultimate spot for all the Bridgerton-worthy ballroom dancing before becoming a popular English single screen theatre, serves as the backdrop for your visit to New Market and the surrounding areas in Kolkata.
These once-grand cinemas, which were packed with moviegoers, are now in disrepair. Only a few have been rehabilitated for present usage, while the majority remain in a state of ruin.
But don't worry, you can still get those perfect old Calcutta Insta pictures, reels, and photographs if you feel like because New Market in Kolkata and the neighbouring alleyways never disappoint when it comes to aesthetic, timeless and postcard worthy emotions.
