A haven for moviegoers in the capital, Star Cineplex in the Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, has closed its doors for good.
In response to the heartbreaking news, many film enthusiasts took to Facebook and were seen indulging in nostalgia, despair and in some cases anger.
For people of all ages, the iconic Star Cineplex in Bashundhara was not only a place where they could completely immerse themselves in their passion for cinema, but also a cherished refuge from the bustling city life.
Netizens were seen mourning the news, calling Bashundhara’s Star Cineplex their ‘second home.’ Lovers, friends, families – everyone who openly partook in the magical theatre experience is now bidding a reluctant goodbye to their 'favourite spot.’
A cinemagoer wrote: “Dolittle was the last movie I watched in this cinema hall. And I was targeting to watch Black Widow after the coronavirus pandemic. But this is not happening. Bashundhara City Cineplex is now permanently closed. Yeah, you heard it right! Our favourite cinema hall is permanently closed.”
Another Facebook user wrote: “This had to be the place where we all loved going out with our friends and families. Very sad news indeed!”
Director Proshoon Rahman warned against the adverse consequences of the shut-down. “This decision will greatly hamper Bashundhara City’s business. Livelihoods of a lot of men and women will be negatively impacted, be it the restaurant owners in Food-court or the shop owners at the mall. A very important section of the young consumers will be lost,” he wrote.
Many were quick to point out that 2020 had not been a particularly good year for cinema, calling it a ‘cursed year.’ Theatres all around the world have shut down. And cut to September, Bashundhara’s Star Cineplex will not reopen either.
For a few netizens, the shut-down has been a personal loss as they explained that they had met their significant others at Bashundhara’s Star Cineplex.
The six big screens in Bashundhara have effectively drawn in film lovers from all over the capital throughout its run while becoming over the years much more than a mere theatre, as is evident from the shock and grief pouring in from film enthusiasts across the country.
The curtain will never rise again for Bashundhara's Star Cineplex.
