Dimapur finally reopens movie hall again

Hillstar Digital Cinema has reopened its doors to movie lovers.

The refurbished Hillstar Digital Cinema was inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control, Jacob Zhimomi.

The new hall seeks to redefine cinema viewing with exceptional digital screening and Dolby surround sound.

Located on Anwar Hussain Road, Dimapur, Hillstar was established in 1988.

The management of Hillstar said people in Nagaland could now watch the latest releases along with the rest of India and experience 'First Day First Show'.

To make movie-watching experience memorable, there are Silver 3D Widescreen and Barco's Digital 3D Projector installed.

For enhanced sound system, Hillstar Digital Cinema has the Dolby Digital Surround System. The management is planning to further upgrade the sound system very soon. There are six units of 7.5 ton ACs to ensure that the hall is fully air-conditioned.

"We have endeavoured not to cut corners on customer satisfaction and so rebuilt the toilets, which are more spacious and hygienic. Security is of utmost concern and so we have hired a security agency and installed CCTV cameras. We also have a canteen where you can purchase various food-items including the quintessential popcorn," said Suzi Ngully, a member of the management team.

Hillstar has a seating capacity for 439 persons.

Seating arrangements are divided into Silver (133 seats), Gold (210 seats) and Platinum (84 seats).

The Hillstar management said that while the basic pricing will remain a constant, they will introduce certain discounts and offers very soon. They are also planning to introduce online ticketing to make ticket purchasing convenient.

The management has also come up with a set of rules prohibiting carrying of any eatables, any form of tobacco, match box and lighters, including water bottles inside the hall.

The management appealed to the citizens of Nagaland, particularly fellow citizens of Dimapur, to adhere to the rules.

Started in the year 1988 by late Lhomithi Sema, the HillStar aspires to carry forward his legacy and provide a rejuvenating experience to movie enthusiasts.

With the reopening of the cinema hall, the road remained lined with cars ranging from jazzy BMWs to old Marutis. Freshly decked up Popsicle and pakoda stalls reappeared.

"I am very excited that we can look forward to proper entertainment!" exclaimed Sentila Ao.

Wapangla Imchen, anothere movie lover who is forced to download shady copies of latest films to satiate her movie cravings also expressed happiness. She is from a generation in Dimapur for whom 'First day first show' meant nothing. With Hillstar reopening, the remains changed.

Cinema halls disappeared in Nagaland since mid 1990s with the invasion of digital films. People preferred watching latest movies at home in their TVs and maintenence of cinema halls become so poor.