End of an era as Bengaluru’s Sampige Theatre to close after 50 years of cinematic legacy

Sampige Theatre, a prominent single-screen cinema in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, is set to close after more than five decades of showcasing Kannada movie premieres. The iconic theatre, which opened in 1976 with the screening of Makkala Baghya, has long been a central hub for local cinema lovers, hosting high-energy premieres and drawing crowds with the presence of legendary actors like Dr. Rajkumar and Rajinikanth.

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The decision to shut down comes as the theatre faces severe financial challenges, with rising maintenance costs and declining film revenues. The increasing dominance of multiplexes and reduced demand for single-screen theatres have also contributed to the closure. Sources inform that the theatre struggles to sustain itself on a single screen with low ticket prices.

Despite the closure, Sampige Theatre will continue operating until a buyer finalizes a deal for its prime real estate. This marks another blow to Bengaluru’s traditional cinema culture, following the earlier closure of Cauvery Theatre on Sankey Road in April 2024. The end of these iconic theatres reflects the changing landscape of Bengaluru’s entertainment scene.