Behzad Cinema, Movie theater in Bagh-e-Qazi district, Kabul, Afghanistan

Behzad Cinema is a building located in Bagh-e-Qazi, part of Kabul's historic old city area, displaying architectural features characteristic of 1930s entertainment venues in Afghanistan. The structure showcases design elements typical of early cinema theaters built during this period.

Behzad Cinema was built in 1934 by the Kabul Municipality in the old city area of Bagh-e-Qazi, making it one of Kabul's oldest movie theatres. It was later abandoned and fell into ruin, then reopened during the reign of Mohammed Zahir Shah. In March 2023 the Taliban administration decided to demolish it for a mosque, residential and commercial complex.

The cinema once served as a central meeting place where Kabul's residents gathered to experience films together, reflecting how cinema shaped the city's entertainment culture. It demonstrates the role that motion pictures played in bringing people together across different social groups.

The building is located in Kabul's older district and can be reached through local streets, though current conditions mean it does not function as an active entertainment venue. Visitors should be aware that the site is not currently available for public use.

The building was abandoned and became a ruin before reopening during Mohammed Zahir Shah's reign, when it drew clandestine groups and drug users. In March 2023 the Taliban administration decided to demolish it for a mosque, residential and commercial complex.