MUMBAI: Gaiety-Galaxy cinema complex in Bandra, a landmark of the city’s film-going culture for more than five decades, was forced to stop screening films from Monday after the police found that its entertainment licence had not been renewed since 2021.
The police have also registered an FIR under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Opened in 1972, Gaiety-Galaxy has remained closely associated with the city’s single-screen cinema culture and, over the decades, became a favourite destination for film buffs and Bollywood enthusiasts. The licence lapse was not the only concern flagged by the police. The action has temporarily brought the curtains down on screenings at a cinema complex that has occupied a distinctive place in Mumbai’s movie history. The complex has been particularly synonymous with the fan culture surrounding Bollywood films, with movie releases at the Bandra theatre often drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Deputy commissioner of police (Bandra) Mohit Garg said the theatre management had failed to renew its entertainment licence for several years. “We had issued them notices as the entertainment licence is given by the police,” Garg said. The theatre also had technical issues, including burnt electrical cables, which could pose a safety risk to moviegoers, according to officials. “Once the licence fees are paid, the competent authority will take a decision on whether to allow the theatre to function,” Garg said.
The Bandra police issued a notice to the theatre on Sunday and put it up outside the premises, effectively halting movie screenings until the licence issue is resolved.
