Last week’s shutdown of Regal Theatre opened up the memory floodgates of the country’s iconic theatres for us. We take a look at the good old times when single screens were about standing in queues for tickets, smuggling in food (was it just us?) and reminisce cinemas from around the country that are bound to hit a chord with you. Despite the boom of multiplexes, these glorious movie homes have seen the golden years and continue to have a strongly loyal fan base. DSSC rewinds the clock to the nostalgic memories of these age old theatres with wide smiles and warm hearts, and we hope they never hit a state of oblivion.
Maratha Mandir, Mumbai
This famous theatre screened Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Bollywood’s cult romantic film uninterrupted for over 20 years. The theatre is now synonymous with the movie and runs DDLJ in the mornings till date. The same exteriors with old world striped décor and classic burgundy seats, Martha Mandir hosts four shows a day with an occupancy for 1000 viewers in each show. In February 2015, it created quite a buzz with rumours of curtains coming down on the DDLJ show, but it became clear that Mumbaiwalla’s were not ready to let go of this movie just yet, and definitely not the theatre. This hexagenarian of a theatre has survived in the age of everything modern and despite bearing the marks of an old soldier, it tickles nostalgic memories.
Catch a show at: 22, Maratha Mandir Marg, Agripada, Mumbai
Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur
Rajasthan’s cinematic gem, Raj Mandir, boasts of one of largest screens in Asia. While maintaining the essence of Pink City, the theatre offers a stunning juxtaposition with European design resulting in an opulent, meringue shaped hall that continues to be an architectural hotspot. The construction of this grand theatre took ten years and was launched in 1976 with screening of the film ‘Charas’. With an extravagant gem-encrusted décor, lavish chandeliers and charming staircase, Raj Mandir Cinema has been the house for many a movie premieres. This royal-esque theatre can be experienced from four seating categories, aptly named to match the grandeur – Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, and Diamond.
Catch a show at: C-16, Bhagwant Das Road, Panch Batti, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur
Priya Cinema, Kolkata
Priya Cinema opened doors at Rashbehari Avenue in 1959 and unlike other iconic structures, this was one of the first cinema halls in Eastern India to evolve & adapt new features like recliner seats and online ticketing. With over 100 films premieres and timely renovation, this uniplex remains just as alluring (if not more) to the film buffs as other multiplexes. Running for almost 58 years, the cinema hall is one of Kolkata’s most revered gems. The parent company, Priya Entertainment Enterprises, have grown & expanded but choose to stick to their roots and honour the beauty of single screens. Running four shows everyday, you can catch both Bollywood & Hollywood films at this cinematic institution.
Catch a show at: 95, Rashbehari Avenue, Manoharpukur, Kolkata
With Regal Cinema pulling the plug, we can’t help but feel nostalgic and surely will catch a movie in these iconic cinema ghars soon.
Featured Image Courtesy: media.cntraveller.com
