Chennai’s Iconic Cinema Halls

Chennai is not just the capital of Tamil Nadu but also a cinema capital. Cinema has been closely connected to Chennai through the thriving movie industry based here, loosely called Kollywood. It was named thus because of a neighbourhood in Chennai called Kodambakkam, which is a thriving hub for the movie industry: Chennai’s answer to Hollywood. Chennai also has a history of cinema and politics being intertwined. Many Chief Ministers in Tamil Nadu were movie stars in Tamil cinema. Cinema is a serious business in Chennai.

Consequently, cinema halls are important places that are representative of the popularity of cinema stars. Fans receive films with a unique style and theatres are a cultural hub. First-day first show (FDFS) is a craze in Chennai. Especially when there is a movie of a big star releasing, fans throng the theatres. Sometimes there are mega cuts-outs of the movie stars (40 to 50 feet tall), placed at the entrance of theatres. Fans climb up and douse milk on the cut-outs to idolize their heroes akin to Gods in temples. The energy is pulsating and fans burst crackers and break into dance when popular songs come on the screens.

There is a tradition of movies being released in specific cinema halls for certain popular heroes. Over the years, some iconic cinema halls have been shut down while some continue to thrive in the wake of multiplexes taking over the scene.

Let us list some iconic cinema halls in Chennai for you.

Devi Cineplex

One of the oldest theatres in Chennai, Devi Cineplex is situated on Mount Road, in the heart of Chennai. It houses four cinema halls: Devi, Devi Paradise, Devi Bala and Devi Kala. Set up in 1970, the Devi Theatre complex was famous for screening Hindi movies and was a very popular destination for moviegoers. With a modest façade, Devi is not the place to go if you are expecting a plush ambience.

Albert Theatre

Starting in 1984, Albert Theatre was also an iconic theatre in Chennai housing two screens: Albert and Baby Albert. It is also in the heart of the city, very near the Egmore railway station. Famous for being a screen where films of Superstar Rajanikant are released, fans would gather and burst crackers and beat drums outside this iconic theatre.

Casino Theatre

The casino is one of the few surviving single-screen theatres in Chennai. A theatre that opened in 1941, it screened mainly English movies and faced challenging times when the taste of moviegoers changed and multiplexes arrived on the scene. The movie hall still draws staunch moviegoers and regulars who throng the place on weekends. The cinema hall has a new façade with the front wall getting a retro look.

Sathyam Cinemas

Now part of the PVR group, Sathyam Cinemas revolutionized the movie-going experience in Chennai by offering several screens, ample parking space, interesting and yummy food options and a focus on cleanliness and great ambience. It became famous for its projection technology and Dolby Atmos sound. They made a name for themselves with luxurious interiors and excellent customer service. Sathyam remains a favourite movie destination in Chennai.

Luxe Cinemas by SPI (Phoenix Market City)

Located inside the sprawling Phoenix Market City mall, this theatre is known for its opulence and cutting-edge technology. Regular seating is available as well as recliners and VIP seating. The lounges are spacious and it has some gourmet food options as well. All in all, it offers a very immersive experience.

PVR Cinemas (Grand Mall, Velachery)

PVR Cinemas is synonymous with a luxurious cinema experience all over India and it is no different in Chennai. It has multiple screens equipped with advanced sound and visual technology. Popular Tamil and Bollywood movies are often screened here.

Escape Cinemas (Express Avenue Mall)

Escape is a very popular movie destination and has multiple screens which are each designed very uniquely. The multiplex has good seating and excellent sound quality. Located in the prime Express Avenue Mall, it is preferred not only for the movies it screens but also for the proximity to shopping and other food options inside the mall.

AGS Cinemas, Villivakkam

This cinema house is a great balance where you can find a good cinema experience at an affordable price. AGS Cinemas is a prominent player in Chennai’s entertainment landscape and has locations all over Chennai. They are equipped with the latest digital projection technology and Dolby sound systems. The theatre is spacious and well-maintained ensuring a fantastic cinema experience.

Kasi Theatre, Ashok Nagar

Another old, iconic single-screen theatre, Kasi Theatre is a beloved Cinema hall of Chennai known for its midnight shows. It always attracted a large crowd and has been entertaining cinema-goers for decades. Famous for the release of films of film star Ajith, it is rocked by fans when there is a new release.

Woodlands Theatre

A vintage cinema hall in the heart of Chennai near the Royapettah clock tower, it is known for its loyal customer base and classic charm. It is an old theatre and offers no luxuries but fans from yesteryears continue to frequent the place keeping it alive over the years. It has two screens: Woodlands and Symphony. The theatre screens mainly Tamil films and some Hindi films from time to time.

Conclusion

Cinema and Chennai are inseparable and the cinema halls in Chennai bear testimony to this. From iconic, old, single-screen theatres to plush multiplexes, the city has it all. Each theatre has a unique charm and people choose a theatre based on their preferences for movies, ambience, proximity, and food. Whatever your choice, cinema halls in Chennai will not disappoint you. One thing is certain, the pull of popcorn and whistles in a cinema hall can never be replaced by sedate movie watching at home on OTT platforms.