In Srinagar, the capital city of the picturesque Kashmir Valley, audiences are flocking to the INOX Cinema to experience the magic of Hollywood’s big-ticket movies “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie.” The theatre’s owner, Vikas Dhar, expresses his delight at witnessing the overwhelming response from the local crowd and is optimistic about the continued success of the upcoming Bollywood film “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani,” helmed by the renowned director Karan Johar, who enjoys a massive fan following in the region.
For Vikas Dhar, the journey to establish the INOX Cinema has been both a personal and collective triumph. Fulfilling his father’s long-cherished dream, he took the bold step of setting up a three-screen cinema hall in Srinagar. The decision was significant, considering the challenging backdrop in which it unfolded – 32 years after the onslaught of terror groups had resulted in the banning or burning of a majority of theatres in the city.
The triumphant reception of Hollywood films in Srinagar has been heartening for the theatre owner and the local film enthusiasts. “Oppenheimer,” a gripping historical drama directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan, has captivated the minds of the audience with its compelling narrative of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant physicist behind the development of the atomic bomb. On the other hand, “Barbie,” a delightful family entertainer, has managed to enchant children and adults alike with its enchanting story and visual splendor.
Vikas Dhar attributes the success of these Hollywood blockbusters to the unwavering love for quality cinema in the region. The people of Srinagar have always had an affinity for meaningful storytelling, and Hollywood’s offerings have found a receptive audience in the valley. The INOX Cinema, with its state-of-the-art facilities and comfortable ambience, has proven to be the perfect place for the local community to immerse themselves in the cinematic experience.
As the excitement builds around the release of “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani,” Vikas Dhar has high hopes for the film’s success. Directed by the prolific Karan Johar, whose name alone can draw crowds to the theatres, the movie promises to be a perfect blend of romance and drama, elements that resonate deeply with the audience in Srinagar. The anticipation for the film is palpable, and the theatre owner believes that it will continue the trend of packed houses and happy faces at the INOX Cinema.
Reflecting on his own journey and the challenges he faced in setting up the INOX Cinema, Vikas Dhar emphasizes the need for more theatres in the Valley. The city’s film enthusiasts have proven their eagerness to embrace cinema, and he believes that more venues will only enhance the cultural vibrancy of Srinagar. Additionally, the presence of theatres will create new opportunities for local talent, including actors, filmmakers, and other industry professionals.
While the path to establishing the INOX Cinema was not without hurdles, Vikas Dhar’s perseverance and passion for cinema have paid off remarkably. The success of “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” has underscored the potential of Srinagar as a thriving market for diverse cinema. As the curtains rise for “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani,” the stage is set for yet another blockbuster. With the city’s enthusiastic response, Vikas Dhar’s vision of a cinema revival in the Valley seems more promising than ever before. As the INOX Cinema continues to shine, the hope for more theatres in Srinagar blossoms, promising a vibrant cinematic future for the region.
