KASARGOD: In a first, a cooperative bank has come forward to build a film theatre complex. Nileshwaram Service Cooperative Bank has evinced interest to set up a theatre as the Nileshwaram Municipality does not have one for almost a decade. “The four theatres here were shut down due to various reasons. The issue was raised at a meeting which discussed Nileshwaram’s development needs and we were bowled over by the idea. Later, I conveyed the bank’s decision to the local MLA and he offered all support,” said M. Radhakrishnan Nair, the Bank president.
Earlier, the State Film Development Corporation’s plan to set up theatres at Nileshwaram and Kanjangad had gone awry for want of land at an appropriate location. “Normally, entertainment tax is a major source of revenue for any Municipality. But Nileshwaram does not have a single theatre and that is shameful for a culturally rich region,” said Nileshwaram Municipality chairman Prof K.P Jayarajan. He added that the theatres were closed down during the proliferation of TV channels but now theatres were making a comeback by providing a high-end visual experience.
“A complex consisting of theatre, shopping mall, food court etc would draw a good crowd,” he said. Thrikaripur MLA, M Rajagopal said that the need for a film theatre had been raised from several quarters. “Nileshwaram may be the lone Municipality in the state sans a theatre. As the bank has now come forward, all support would be extended in identifying the land and getting approvals to build the theatre complex,” he said.
