Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Historic Assam Cinema Hall 'Jonaki' Neglected Despite Film Release
Imagine a really old movie theater in Assam, called Jonaki.
It was the very first one ever built in the state, a long, long time ago, by a man who loved movies.
It was a special place for people to see films and felt like a symbol of pride.
Even though a new, exciting movie called 'Roi Roi Binale' just came out, it couldn't be shown at Jonaki because the theater is falling apart.
People are very sad and angry about this.
They want the government to fix up the old theater so it can be like new again.
They believe it's important to save this historic place for future movie lovers and to remember the people who built it.
They have warned that if nothing is done, they will protest.
Assam's first cinema hall, 'Jonaki' in Tezpur, remains in a dilapidated state, failing to screen the recently released film 'Roi Roi Binale'.
The public and student groups have expressed disappointment and anger over the neglect of the historic theatre.
'Jonaki' was established in 1937 by Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, a pioneer of Assamese cinema.
The cinema hall has a history of challenges, including financial difficulties, lease issues, license cancellations, and competition from newer technologies.
Despite past renovation efforts, including a package from the Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation in 2019, the hall's condition has not significantly improved.
- Who
- The public of Tezpur, AASU, Zubeen Garg (deceased), Jyoti Prasad Agarwala (founder), Hridayananda Agarwala, Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation Limited.
- What
- The historic 'Jonaki' cinema hall, Assam's first, remains in a dilapidated state, preventing the screening of Zubeen Garg's film 'Roi Roi Binale' and causing public disappointment.
- When
- November 2, [Year of article publication, implied to be recent]
- Where
- Tezpur, Assam
- Why
- The cinema hall has suffered from decades of neglect, lack of financial sustainability, and alleged failure of the government and cultural department to implement effective restoration efforts despite past renovations and attempts.
- Cinema Hall Name
- Jonaki
- Location
- Tezpur, Assam
- Established
- 1937
- Founder
- Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala
- First Film Screened
- Elephant Boy
- Recent Renovation Attempt
- 2019 (limited changes)