Odeon Cinema is a historic cinema located in Rawalpindi Cantonment, Punjab, Pakistan. [1] [2]
In 1891, the Lansdowne Trust Rawalpindi was established by Rai Bahadur Sardar Kirpal Singh and Rai Bahadur Sardar Sujan Singh, [3] with an administrative committee including the general officer commanding, the Rawalpindi commissioner, the deputy commissioner, and trust members. The theatre was constructed in 1897 and initially showcased silent films. [4]
The original building of the trust was converted into a cinema house by the trustee in 1912. [5] The cinema was damaged by fire in 1946 and remained unrestored until 1949. [5] After a fire caused by a short circuit, the cantonment management took control of the cinema, constructed a central gate, and expanded into adjacent offices. [4]
In the 1960s, the restored building was named Odeon Cinema by the then tenant. [5]
In 2008, the cinema was closed to the public by order of Station Commander Brigadier Sajjad Azam due to the leaseholder's failure to pay the annual rent. [5]
Odeon Cinema historically screened English, Urdu, and Punjabi films. [4]