Odeon Cinema, Rawalpindi

Odeon Cinema is a historic cinema located in Rawalpindi Cantonment, Punjab, Pakistan.[1][2]

Odeon Cinema
Map
General information
AddressMall Road
Town or cityRawalpindi
CountryPakistan
Coordinates33°35′45″N 73°02′47″E / 33.595733°N 73.046388°E / 33.595733; 73.046388
Opened1891

History

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In 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

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  1. ^ Mirza, Jamil (26 March 2017). "Rawalpindi Cantonment Board: Proposal for multi-storey Lansdowne Mega Mall in limbo". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  2. ^ Yasin, Aamir (23 February 2012). "Odeon Cinema to be history next month". Dawn Pakistan. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  3. ^ Yasin, Aamir (23 February 2017). "Mega mall to replace century-old Odeon Cinema". Dwan Pakistan. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Baig, Zulfiqar (12 February 2021). "Cinema to be converted into conference hall". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d Yasin, Aamir (December 4, 2019). "RCB to restore original structure of Odeon Cinema". DAWN.COM.