Sujata and Sanjota’s 45-year run in Hubballi comes to an end

Hubballi: The historic twin theatres, occupying approximately two acres in Hubballi, which entertained Kannada cinema enthusiasts from across North Karnataka for nearly 45 years, now remain only in memories.
Sujata and Sanjota cinemas, opposite the Glasshouse, nurtured appreciation for Kannada films and played a vital role in advancing the Kannada film industry. These sister venues are now departing.
After ceasing operations four years ago, these establishments are now being demolished and will soon be just pages in history. Established in 1975 and 1977 respectively, Sujata had 1,100 seats and Sanjota Cinema 625 seats.
The Sooji family, who own these establishments, remained devoted to Kannada cinema for 45 years. Their commitment to screening only regional language films stands unparalleled in Karnataka's cinema history. Sujata Cinema exhibited virtually all Kannada films since its inception. The owners DN Sooji, Rahul Sooji, and Amar Sooji strictly adhered to regional cinema, screening just one English and three Hindi films throughout their operation.
These venues were preferred by distributors and actors, as screenings here often predicted a film's success. Beginning with ‘Pranaya Raja' starring Srinath and Manjula, the cinemas featured films of notable actors including Sr Rajkumar, Ambareesh, Vishnuvardhan, Shankar Nag, Shivarajkumar, Ravichandran, Raghavendra Rajkumar, Upendra, Puneeth Rajkumar, Ganesh, and Darshan.
Puneet Rajkumar's films were prominently featured, with 16 of his 20 films screening here. Several films, including Akash, Arasu, and Milana, achieved 100-day runs. Audiences came from Gadag, Haveri, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and Uttara Kannada, would often arrive in tractors and bullock carts, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
The venues struggled against multiplexes, mobile entertainment, television, and the Covid-19 pandemic. They reduced daily shows from four to two before 2021, eventually closing during the lockdown, according to Amar Sooji. Despite reopening intentions, reduced attendance led to permanent closure. The space may become a commercial complex or a mall, potentially including a multiplex continuing their Kannada cinema legacy.
"Movie theatres are experiencing financial setbacks due to competition from multiplexes, television, and smartphones. The Covid-19 lockdown forced us to shut operations. Currently, we are in the process of demolishing both theatres. These cinemas have been an integral part of our family's journey. It is heart-wrenching to witness their demolition. We are yet to finalise plans for future use of this property," said Amar Sooji, owner of Sujata and Sanjota theatres
Cinema enthusiasts hope future developments will honour Sujata and Sanjota's contributions to Kannada cinema, according to numerous Kannada film admirers.