Karachi to get three new cinemas as city eyes cultural revival

KARACHI: Karachi’s cinema scene is set for a revival, with three new single-screen theatres nearing completion in the city’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), according to project stakeholders.

The initiative, led by entrepreneur and artist Nadeem Jafri in collaboration with DHA, aims to expand entertainment options while reinvigorating film culture in Pakistan’s largest city. Two of the cinemas are close to opening, while a third remains under construction.

One of the key projects, the Innovesta Auditorium Theatre Cinema, has been designed as a multi-purpose venue, combining film screenings with space for corporate events and functions. Another planned facility will offer a more premium experience, featuring limited seating with recliners and advanced Dolby Atmos sound.

Jafri said the developments are part of a broader effort to rebuild Karachi’s cinema-going culture, which has struggled in recent years. He emphasised that modern, secure and high-quality venues could help reconnect audiences with meaningful content.

He also noted that improved infrastructure could support emerging filmmakers and performers by providing platforms to showcase their work. Industry growth, he suggested, depends not only on content but also on the quality of viewing spaces available to the public.

Ticket pricing has yet to be finalised, though affordability is expected to remain a key consideration to attract wider audiences. The cinemas are expected to open in phases, with launches anticipated in the near future.