My grandmother-in-law watched the cult Bangla cinema Shujan Shukhi eight times in the halls of Narayanganj, back when she lived in a wooden two-storied bungalow -- the downstairs serving as her husband’s gaddi, his office and business hub.
My grandmother, hailing from a Talukdar family -- a hereditary aristocracy of landholders -- caught films during their long vacations in Calcutta. And my mother, growing up in a sprawling clan, would rally her younger sisters and nine brothers to Modhumita, one of the oldest theatres in the country, or to morning shows at the chic mini-theatre Naaz and matinee shows at Gulistan. Those halls brought a revolutionary change to Dhaka’s entertainment scene with air-conditioning and superior sound systems, back then.
Primarily known for screening English movies and top-tier Urdu films, the hall complexes built a reputation for being modern and upscale, yet they drew mass audiences. Come September, Cleopatra, Girls, Girls, Girls by Elvis Presley, Urdu hits like Daman, Do Raha, Arman, and Bangla classics like Pothe Holo Deri, Headmaster, Meghe Dhaka Tara, are movie experiences my mother fondly remembers. Her friend Bachu Khala, a neighbour, was the granddaughter of Pahari Sanyal, a cult figure in Indian Bangla cinema, so films and theatres were truly the heartbeat of their entertainment.
My parents, too, would sneak out, leaving us behind, for screenings of Sunflower or Rebecca. These stories remind me of a Dhaka that was once cultural and alive, where going to the cinema on weekends was the natural choice.
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Fast forward to today: Dhaka has transformed into a modern megapolis, buzzing with theatres, concerts, and multiplexes. Just last Saturday, I went with my girlfriends to the posh new Centrepoint Mall in Uttara to watch Daam, a much-hyped film based on a true story. And at the scenic STAR Cineplex at the Bangladesh Military Museum in Bijoy Sarani for Bonolota Express. I was left in awe -- the seating, the leg space, the assortment of munchies, all elevating the experience.
The crowd was overwhelming -- hundreds of people, young and old, couples, singles, families, ladies’ groups -- all queuing for whatever tickets they could get. The choices dazzled: Bonolota Express with Mosharraf Karim and Chanchal Chowdhury, Daam with Afran Nisho and Puja Cherry Roy, Michael, the biographical drama on Michael Jackson, Pressure Cooker by Raihan Rafi, Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling (which even our Prime Minister went to watch), and of course The Devil Wears Prada 2, which every ladies’ group in Dhaka seems to be waiting for.
What strikes me most is how cinema has woven itself into everyday conversation. Everywhere you go -- fashion shows, fairs, coffee meetups—people are asking, “Did you watch Bonolota?” or “Have you seen Pressure Cooker?” or “What did you think of Daam?”
It feels like the old Dhaka spirit has found new life in this modern city, where films are not just entertainment but part of our collective rhythm. Whether you’re after a quiet, intimate setting or the buzz of a packed hall, Dhaka caters to both modern and traditional moviegoers.
The city’s cinema culture is wonderfully diverse, ranging from luxury private lounges in Gulshan to mainstream blockbuster screenings. For authentic Dhaka vibes and affordability, halls like Modhumita or Balaka are still worth experiencing. Each location offers Dolby surround sound, 3D projection, semi-recliner seating, and premium lounges -- blending international-standard cinema with local cultural appeal.
On the other end of the spectrum, STAR Cineplex has grown into Bangladesh’s leading multiplex chain, beginning with its flagship branch at Bashundhara City in Panthapath back in 2004. Over time, it has expanded across the capital with branches in Dhanmondi’s Shimanto Shambhar, Mohakhali’s SKS Tower, Mirpur’s Sony Square, the Bangladesh Military Museum at Bijoy Sarani, and, most recently, Centrepoint Mall in Uttara.
And would you believe Dhaka even has an almost five-star private movie lounge? Cholen Private Movie Lounge in Gulshan 2 is a standalone space booked entirely for your group at a flat rate of Tk 10,000 per night, accommodating 6–10 guests, with complete privacy guaranteed.
So, whether you’re in the mood for Hollywood spectacle or a Bangla drama with powerhouse actors, Dhaka’s choices tonight are plentiful -- and just like in my grandmother’s time, cinema remains the city’s most beloved conversation starter.
