In Goa, the folk culture seamlessly blends local traditions with influences from Portuguese rule, creating a rich tapestry of music, dance, and theatre. Cinema has played an integral role in the cultural landscape, with its influence growing alongside the development of regional theatre.
Four decades ago, cinema was the secondary form of entertainment, after radio, for Goans, as television had not yet made its way into most homes. Despite the absence of modern conveniences like air conditioning, plush seating or surround sound, the movie theaters managed to draw large crowds. The magic of the big screen, the communal experience of watching a film with an eager audience, and the sense of anticipation and excitement made a trip to the cinema an event in itself.
Ticket prices at local cinemas were determined by seating sections, each with its own cost. The Lower Circle (front rows, often crowded) was the most affordable at 80 paise. The Middle Circle, offering a good view at a moderate price, cost Rs. 1.30. The Upper Circle, further from the screen but still enjoyable, was priced at Rs. 1.80. The Balcony, located on the top floor, offered the best view and more comfortable seating for Rs. 2.20.
A special feature in many theaters was the Box—private, cushioned sections often chosen by couples for a more intimate and comfortable movie experience. However, tickets were sometimes sold in the black market at inflated prices, with the phrase “do ka chaar” (meaning Rs. 2.20 for Rs. 4) commonly used.
The Cine Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) was located in the heart of Panaji city and opened on November 25, 1935, by the then Governor General of Goa, João Carlos Craveiro Lopes. Built in an Art Deco style, it featured both film screenings and live performances, thanks to a movable screen that could be shifted behind the stage. The first film shown here was the Hollywood musical The Kid from Spain (1932), followed by Sky Devils (1932). Tickets were priced at 50 paise, equivalent to today’s rate.
After its reconstruction in 1975, the theatre became strictly a cinema, as the movable screen was replaced with a fixed silver screen and an electrically controlled wavy curtain. The revamped theatre was inaugurated in 1976 with the screening of Kalicharan (1976), followed by the iconic Sholay (1975). In 1996, the curtains came down on El Dorado Plaza in Panaji after the last screening of Anth.
Nearby to Panjim, Cine Gulmarg Ribandar, close to the Police Outpost, also became popular for Hindi film screenings. In Ponda, cinemas like Cine Aisha, Jai Mahalasa at Curti, and Cine Kamala at Tisk, Usgao, became key entertainment spots for locals. Curchorem had two prominent theatres—Cine Prashant and Cine Niagara—while Chitra Mandir in Marcel was a popular weekend destination for families seeking entertainment.
The bustling city of Mapusa, known for its famous Friday market, was home to two prominent theaters: El Capitan and Cine Alankar (1965–2017). These theaters provided entertainment for the locals and were integral to the city’s cultural scene for decades. In Siolim and surrounding areas of Bardez, the Victory Talkies was the go-to cinema, catering to people from Siolim and nearby towns, offering them their dose of films.
In Vasco-da-Gama, the iconic El Monte cinema at Alto Desterro, located on the way to the Mormugao Port Authority, has been operational since the late 1970s. Cine Vasco, which was annexed to the V. M. Salgaocar office, became a landmark in the area. Initially managed by the Salgaocar business conglomerate, the cinema was a key entertainment hub for the people of Vasco. Unfortunately, Cine Vasco has been closed for many years now, marking the end of an era for cinema-goers in that region.
In South Goa, Cine Metropole opened in Margao in 1971 and quickly became one of the region’s most iconic theaters. Known for its spacious halls and top-notch screening facilities, it was one of the first four-screen cinema complexes in Goa. Cine Metropole played a significant role in the city’s cultural life, showcasing a mix of Bollywood, regional, and occasional international films.
Another famous theater, Cine Lata, was one of the oldest surviving cinemas in Margao, located near the old fish market. It was known for screening English movies and had unique features, such as internal inscriptions like “EXIT” and “DO NOT SPIT” in Portuguese. However, Cine Lata closed in November 2024 and was transformed into Z Square Banquets Party Hall. For those unable to secure tickets at Cine Lata, Cine Vishant, managed by Z Cinemas (Zantye), was a popular alternative. It eventually expanded into two halls, continuing its legacy as a key entertainment venue in the area.
In the pre-television era, cinemas were more than just a place to watch movies—they were a shared cultural experience, where communities gathered to enjoy stories on the big screen. With the rise of multiplexes in Goa, these smaller, beloved theaters have faded into history, leaving behind a rich legacy of entertainment and nostalgia.
