Odeon Cinema is a historic cinema located in Rawalpindi Cantonment, Punjab, Pakistan.[1][2]
History
editIn 1891, the Lansdowne Trust Rawalpindi was established by Rai Bahadur Sardar Kirpal Singh and Rai Bahadur Sardar Sujan Singh,[3] with an administrative committee including the general officer commanding, the Rawalpindi commissioner, the deputy commissioner, and trust members. The theatre was constructed in 1897 and initially showcased silent films.[4]
The original building of the trust was converted into a cinema house by the trustee in 1912.[5] The cinema was damaged by fire in 1946 and remained unrestored until 1949.[5] After a fire caused by a short circuit, the cantonment management took control of the cinema, constructed a central gate, and expanded into adjacent offices.[4]
In the 1960s, the restored building was named Odeon Cinema by the then tenant.[5]
In 2008, the cinema was closed to the public by order of Station Commander Brigadier Sajjad Azam due to the leaseholder's failure to pay the annual rent.[5]
Odeon Cinema historically screened English, Urdu, and Punjabi films.[4]
References
edit- ^ Mirza, Jamil (26 March 2017). "Rawalpindi Cantonment Board: Proposal for multi-storey Lansdowne Mega Mall in limbo". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ Yasin, Aamir (23 February 2012). "Odeon Cinema to be history next month". Dawn Pakistan. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ Yasin, Aamir (23 February 2017). "Mega mall to replace century-old Odeon Cinema". Dwan Pakistan. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Baig, Zulfiqar (12 February 2021). "Cinema to be converted into conference hall". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d Yasin, Aamir (December 4, 2019). "RCB to restore original structure of Odeon Cinema". DAWN.COM.