Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed his desire to watch Zubeen Garg’s final film, Roi Roi Binale, at Jonaki Cinema Hall in Tezpur. However, the hall remains shuttered, highlighting the neglect and apathy it has faced over the years. Built in 1937 under the vision of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, Jonaki Cinema Hall was once a proud symbol of Assam’s cinematic heritage.
The hall, considered a cultural temple for the people of Tezpur and the state, has been left in ruins due to decades of neglect. Despite its historic legacy, successive governments have failed to revive or protect the structure. The Tezpur unit of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has appealed to the Assam government and the Department of Cultural Affairs to take immediate action to restore and reconstruct the hall.
The AASU emphasized that Jonaki is not merely a building but a living symbol of Assam’s cinematic and cultural identity. They urged the state government and local MLA Prithviraj Rabha to take responsibility for reviving the hall, stating that it is the birthplace of Assamese cinema and bringing it back to life is the least tribute that can be paid to Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Zubeen Garg.
The shuttered Jonaki Cinema Hall stands as a reminder of the fading legacy of Assamese cinema and the urgent need to preserve it. As the film industry continues to thrive, it is essential to protect and restore the cultural institutions that have shaped Assam’s identity. The restoration of Jonaki Cinema Hall would not only preserve the state’s cinematic history but also provide a platform for future generations to appreciate and celebrate Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
