A potential disaster was narrowly averted at Rajhans Multiplex in Valsad on Friday when a portion of the auditorium ceiling collapsed just before the 9:00 a.m. screening of Border 2. The incident occurred as moviegoers were entering Screen 1, moments before the show was set to begin, sparking panic among those present.
According to local reports, a section of the Plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling near the front of the screen suddenly fell, prompting cinema authorities to immediately cancel the show and evacuate all patrons.
Quick Action Prevents Injuries
Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were reported. Authorities confirmed that the early timing of the collapse—when most of the audience was still entering the hall—helped prevent what could have been a serious accident. All viewers were safely escorted from the premises, and the area around the collapsed section was secured shortly thereafter.
Officials are yet to provide details on the multiplex’s structural safety checks, inspections, or planned repairs. The incident has reignited concerns about cinema hall infrastructure, particularly in older or heavily frequented theatres.
Memories of Past Tragedies Resurface
The collapse inevitably brought back memories of one of India’s most tragic cinema disasters—the Uphaar Cinema fire in Delhi. On June 13, 1997, during a screening of the original Border film, a fire broke out in the basement transformers of Green Park theatre. The tragedy resulted in 59 deaths due to asphyxiation and left over 100 people seriously injured in the stampede that followed.
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols, structural maintenance, and emergency preparedness in multiplexes and older theatres across the country.
Cinema Safety Under Spotlight
Industry experts have highlighted that such events, even without casualties, can cause widespread panic and raise questions about audience safety standards. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and adherence to safety regulations are crucial to prevent potential accidents, especially in high-traffic theatres screening blockbuster films like Border 2.
As of now, Rajhans Multiplex management has not released a detailed statement on the incident or the estimated timeline for repairs. Patrons and local authorities are expected to stay vigilant until further structural evaluations are completed.
In short: A ceiling collapse at Valsad’s Rajhans Multiplex forced the cancellation of a Border 2 screening, but quick evacuation prevented injuries. The incident has once again drawn attention to cinema safety standards in India, echoing past tragedies like the Uphaar Cinema fire.
