Guwahati: One of Assam’s oldest and most celebrated cinema halls has entered a new era. Kelvin Cinema, founded in 1935 by Jeevanram Goenka in the heart of Fancy Bazar, has reopened as Kelvin Gold Cinema, blending its rich legacy with state-of-the-art cinematic technology.
Nearly 90 years after its doors first opened, Kelvin has been transformed into a stylish two-screen multiplex within its historic compound. The new facility offers 499 seats, including 24 ultra-luxury recliners, and features futuristic interiors along with cutting-edge audio-visual systems.
The reopening ceremony held on Wednesday evening was graced by NEDFi CMD PVSLN Murty, noted film trade analyst Komal Nahta, and leading personalities of Assamese cinema such as Ravi Sarma, Zerifa Wahid, Jahnu Barua, Manju Borah, Seema Biswas, Rima Das, Purnima Pathak Saikia, and others. Padmashree award-winning journalist and author Patricia Mukhim was also present.
A Legacy That Shaped Assam’s Cinema Culture
The Goenka family, which played a crucial role in developing Assam’s cultural and business environment, turned Kelvin into a landmark shortly after its success in Shillong. The theatre became a hub for Assamese film premieres, Hindi film jubilees and early screenings of English classics—introducing audiences to advanced cinema technologies long before they became mainstream.
Kelvin created unforgettable memories for generations. It saw a record-breaking 53-week run of ‘Jai Santoshi Maa’, and was the first hall in Guwahati to screen English films like Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments, drawing massive crowds.
Carrying Forward a Storied Legacy
Shankar Lall Goenka, the driving force behind Kelvin’s resurgence, said the reopening is deeply emotional for the family.
“Kelvin has lived through the memories of generations. Bringing it back in a modern form feels like carrying a legacy forward while creating something new for today’s audience,” he said, adding that early enthusiasm from young viewers shows Kelvin still holds a special place in Guwahati’s heart.
A High-Tech Experience for a New Generation
Kelvin Gold Cinema features Christie 2K Laser projection, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, Pulz IsoWave audio, and full 3D capability. The recliner seats include on-seat food service, USB charging ports and ample legroom. The concessions menu has been expanded with a variety of snacks, beverages and healthier options.
With ample parking and convenient access at Kelvin Cinema Compound, SRCB Road, the multiplex aims to attract families and movie lovers from across the city.
Gold Cinema Directors Ratan Jain and Hasmukh Shah said the vision is to offer Guwahati a premium, contemporary entertainment space while honouring Kelvin’s historic identity.
Tickets can be booked through goldcinema.co, the Gold Cinema app, and BookMyShow. Kelvin Gold Cinema is now open to welcome audiences to Guwahati’s newest premier film destination.
