Bhatkal: The surge in internet usage and the rise of multiplex cinemas have reshaped entertainment preferences, leading to the decline of traditional single-screen theaters in Bhatkal. Consequently, all the old theaters in Bhatkal have gradually shuttered, forcing movie enthusiasts to travel to Honavar and Byndoor for a cinematic experience.

Reflecting on the cinematic history of Bhatkal, the first theater, "Prem Talkies," emerged 75 years ago on Basti Road, now the location of Al-Kausar Girls College (formerly Shams School). Interestingly, Tarbiat Ikhwan repurposed the ruins of Prem Talkies into Shams School.

Lakshmi Talkies, the second prominent theater near the Hanuman temple, was a popular entertainment hub in the city and its surroundings. However, it has been closed for an extended period, with plans to develop a large supermarket in its place.

Pushpanjali Talkies, another beloved and modern-style theater in the city, once screened new releases but is now closed.

The shift towards mobile phone entertainment has been cited as a primary reason for the decline in cinema attendance, resulting in significant losses for theater owners in Bhatkal. Consequently, many theaters in the region, including Vijaya Theater in Murdeshwar (converted into lodging) and Venkatesh Theater in Shirali (permanently closed), have faced a similar fate.

The closure of these old cinemas marks the end of an era in the cinematic history of Bhatkal taluka.