From Single Screen to Multiplexes: The Evolution of Cinema Exhibition Spaces in Kozhikode District

Cinema theatres have historically functioned as vital cultural and social hubs for cinema audiences and have remained a popular mode of experiencing cinema. This study examines the spatial transformations of single-screen cinema exhibition spaces in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. Drawing on New Cinema History and Henri Lefebvre’s theory of spatial production, the research traces cinema theatres’ historical and cultural significance, foregrounding their role in shaping collective memory and facilitating social interactions among Kozhikode’s cinemagoers. While the proliferation of multi-screen and multiplex cinemas reflects contemporary trends, the findings underscore the enduring relevance of single-screen cinema theatres as cultural landmarks embedded in urban and social fabric. Framing the analysis within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 11.7, the study also reflects on the implications of urban transformation for preserving cinema as cultural infrastructure. Ultimately, this research contributes to broader conversations on space, memory and the evolving geographies of cultural experience.