A shocking incident disrupted a peaceful movie night at PVR Cinemas in Guwahati on Sunday evening (August 4, 2025), when a portion of the false ceiling collapsed during an ongoing screening, leaving three people injured and causing mass panic among moviegoers.
The cinema, located in the bustling City Centre Mall area, was packed with weekend audiences when the mishap occurred.
What Happened?
According to eyewitnesses, the ceiling tiles began to crack and fall suddenly around 8:30 PM, while a movie was mid-screening. Within seconds, chunks of the ceiling came crashing down on the central seating row.
Panic spread rapidly as dozens of people rushed to exit the hall in the dark. Emergency lights were triggered, but several people tripped or stumbled during the chaos.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Three individuals, including one minor, sustained injuries — mostly due to falling debris and minor stampede-like movement.
They were immediately shifted to a nearby private hospital and are reportedly stable and out of danger.
Guwahati Police and Fire Department teams reached the spot shortly after and evacuated all cinema halls in the multiplex.
PVR’s Official Response
In a brief late-night statement, PVR Cinemas management confirmed the incident and expressed regret, promising full cooperation with authorities.
“We are deeply concerned about the unfortunate ceiling collapse incident at our Guwahati outlet. Safety of our patrons is our highest priority. We have initiated an internal inquiry and are working with local civic authorities,” the statement said.
They also announced temporary closure of the theatre for inspection and repair work.
Construction Negligence or Maintenance Failure?
While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest:
Water leakage from rooftop air conditioning ducts
Poor maintenance of false ceiling panels
Possible structural compromise due to recent rain and humidity
Mall authorities have been asked to submit safety certificates and building maintenance records to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation.
Growing Safety Concerns in Malls and Multiplexes
This incident once again raises serious concerns about infrastructure safety in high-footfall areas like malls, multiplexes, and metro stations. In recent months, there have been multiple near-miss incidents involving escalators, ceilings, and signage structures in public buildings across Indian cities.
Safety audits and structural integrity checks — especially in older or water-prone buildings — remain critically under-enforced.
Final Thoughts
The Guwahati PVR ceiling collapse is a wake-up call for multiplex chains, mall operators, and civic bodies. For a venue that charges premium rates, such lapses are not just dangerous — they erode public trust.
As urban India continues to expand rapidly, safety cannot be treated as an afterthought. Cinema-goers deserve better.
Published on : 4th August
Published by : SMITA
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