A sudden collapse of a false ceiling at the PVR Cinema hall in City Centre Mall, Christian Basti, Guwahati, triggered widespread panic and chaos among moviegoers on Sunday evening, August 3, 2025. The incident occurred around 7 PM during the screening of the film Mahavatar Narsimha, leaving at least three individuals, including children, injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that a section of the overhead false ceiling unexpectedly gave way, causing debris to fall onto the audience. Screams for help echoed through the auditorium as several patrons fled the scene in fear. The cinema management promptly halted the screening and contacted emergency services. Within minutes, medical teams and first responders arrived, providing immediate care to the injured. A woman and a child were among those rushed to a nearby hospital, where authorities later confirmed that all three victims were in stable condition and out of danger.
Following the incident, PVR management sealed off the affected screen and suspended all further shows for the day. Mall security personnel cordoned off the area and assisted in evacuating the premises. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Fire & Emergency Services were notified and began inspecting the site to assess the structural integrity of the cinema hall.
Authorities have launched a technical investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary findings suggest potential negligence in maintenance or possible design flaws in the false ceiling. A senior GMC official stated, “We are conducting a thorough structural audit. The mall and PVR authorities will be held accountable if any safety lapses are found.”
Adding to the controversy, allegations have surfaced that journalists attempting to cover the incident were denied access to the site and faced obstructions while gathering information. Neither PVR Cinemas nor City Centre Mall management had issued an official statement as of late Sunday night.
This is not the first time the PVR Cinema at City Centre Mall has faced such an incident. A decade ago, the cinema hall experienced a similar mishap when a short circuit damaged its screen, raising ongoing concerns about safety standards at the venue.
The incident has sparked widespread concern about public safety in multiplexes and high-traffic commercial spaces across the city, prompting calls for stricter regulations and regular safety audits.
