Tezpur, October 30, 2025 (Thursday): As Assam prepares the release of Zubeen Garg‘s final and posthumous film Roi Roi Binale, a stark reminder of neglect casts a shadow over the state’s cinematic heritage. The historic Jonaki Cinema Hall, established in 1937 by legendary filmmaker Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala in Tezpur, stands in a deteriorated condition, unable to screen films despite recent promises of restoration.
Today, a delegation from the Tezpur Regional Students’ Union, under the aegis of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), documented the alarming state of Assam’s first cinema hall. The once-proud establishment, which symbolized the birth of Assamese cinema, now lies abandoned and inoperable.
The visit comes at a meaningful time. Tomorrow marks the release of Roi Roi Binale, the final and posthumous film by our beloved Zubeen Garg. People across Assam and India will gather in theatres to watch this heartfelt goodbye. But the state’s first cinema hall, which would have been the most fitting place for such a historic screening, remains closed.
Adding to the frustration is that the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation recently sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the hall’s renovation. However, no visible work has been undertaken, raising serious questions about poor management, lack of attention from authorities, and failure in administrative responsibility.
Despite repeated assurances and the sanctioning of substantial funds for its renovation, pressing questions remain: Why has Jonaki Cinema Hall been left in such a bad state? Who is responsible for taking care of it and making sure it gets fixed? Is it because of careless officials, poor planning, or lack of interest from those in charge? These questions are crucial not only for accountability but also for safeguarding Assam’s cultural inheritance.
The delegation specifically called upon Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, son of Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, to take immediate initiative for the reconstruction of this cultural landmark. The Union emphasized the deep connection between the hall’s founder, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, and the constituency’s cultural legacy.
In a pointed message to political leaders, AASU demanded that the renewal and revival of Jonaki Cinema Hall should not remain mere election campaign rhetoric. The Union urged politicians to act on promises made during campaigns rather than repeatedly using the theatre’s name as a political talking point.
The concerned ministry and relevant departments face mounting pressure to explain why this heritage site has been allowed to fall into such disrepair and to immediately commence restoration work that would restore Jonaki Cinema Hall to its former glory.
At Tezpur Buzz, we make a strong appeal to the concerned government departments, ministries, and the MLA of Tezpur to take immediate and concrete action. The community’s patience is running thin, it’s time to move beyond words and deliver results. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the revival of Jonaki Cinema Hall without delay.
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