Chatra: A district once synonymous with left-wing extremism and often dubbed the “Jaffna of Jharkhand” had little room for leisure, let alone the simple pleasure of watching a film on the big screen. That is now set to change, as Chatra prepares to welcome its first-ever movie theatre — marking a small but significant shift in the district’s social landscape.With a population of around 16 lakh spread across 12 blocks and two subdivisions, Chatra long lagged behind on the development curve due to years of extremist violence. Ironically, even decades after its formation, the district headquarters did not have a single cinema hall, forcing residents to travel to neighbouring Hazaribag, the state capital Ranchi, or even Bihar to watch films in theatres.That long-standing gap is now poised to become a thing of the past. The district administration has initiated the construction of a digital movie theatre, with the local Zila Parishad acting as the nodal agency. An administrative official said the construction agency has already been selected through a tender process.The district administration will spend around Rs 80 lakh on developing basic infrastructure, including the main theatre structure, toilets, a food corner, box office and ticket counter. Operational expenses will be borne by the selected operating agency. Land for the project has been identified opposite Chatra College, near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where foundation work has already begun.Vice-president of the Zila Parishad, Braj Kishore Tiwary, told TOI that the theatre will have a seating capacity of 140 and will be operated on the lines of a multiplex. “Apart from regular film screenings, the facility will also be used for special shows and educational programmes for school and college students on payment of a prescribed fee,” he said.Tiwary noted that Chatra is possibly the only district headquarters in the country without a cinema hall.“We are thankful to deputy commissioner Kirtishiree G for giving the go-ahead to this project. Entertainment is essential for residents of any district, and Chatra is now ready to have its first theatre,” he said, adding that the facility is expected to open within the next two months.For operations, the district administration has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Delhi-based entertainment company Picture Time. As per the agreement, 80% of the revenue generated will go to the Zila Parishad, while the remaining 20% will be retained by the operating company.The deputy commissioner further said that the initiative aims to restore entertainment facilities in the district. “At present, there is no movie-related entertainment facility in Chatra. Keeping this in mind, the digital movie theatre is being planned. Along with movies, arrangements will be made to screen educational and informative films for school children as well,” she said.
