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For nearly six decades, Modhumita Cinema Hall has been a cornerstone of Dhaka’s movie culture. But after years of struggling to stay afloat, the iconic theatre will shut its doors for good after Eid-ul-Azha. In its place? A multi-storey building that will include a Cineplex, marking the end of an era but also a fresh start.

Owner Iftekhar Uddin Naushad, son of founder Siraj Uddin, held on to the family legacy for as long as he could, but dwindling film releases and business losses forced the decision. While blockbusters like Priyotoma and Toofan provided temporary relief, the theatre largely sat empty.

The hall’s last hurrah will be a screening of Shakib Khan’s Eid-ul-Azha release before the final shutdown. Despite the nostalgia, Naushad is looking ahead