This list will remind you of the bygone days
Much before multiplex theatres or streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube made their way into our lives, there used to be single-screen cinema halls. So we bring you a list of the oldest cinema theatres across the country:
Capitol Cinema, Mumbai
Certainly the oldest theatre in the city, the Capitol Cinema was established in 1879 at the then Victoria Terminus (now called ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj Terminus or CST). It was known to host several plays during the British era. In fact, the very first show here was for a British film, titled The Flag Lieutenant. The theatre then evolved into a single-screen cinema hall and is still known for its Gothic construction in Bombay.
Poorna Theatre, Vizag
It started as Sri Krishna Touring talkies in 1925 but in1930, it was converted to the Poorna Theatre by Sri GK Mangaraju. In its earlier days, it used to screen silent films like BheeshmaPratijna, Nandanaar, and GajendraMoksham. In 1949, it screened the classic Laila Majnu and when the cinema-scope facility was installed in 1955, it turned to be one of the first such establishments in the entire Andhra region.
Ritz Cinema and PVR Rivoli, Delhi
Both Ritz and Rivoli are two top contenders when it comes to figuring out which is Delhi’s oldest cinema theatre. While the former is approximately 80 years old and is located on Lothian Road, the latter was established in 1934 and is now run by PVR.
Chaplin Cinema, Kolkata
Established in 1907, Chaplin Cinema is actually the first cinema hall in India. It is also known as Elphinstone Picture Palace and was founded by JamshedjiFramji Madan. It was later renamed to Minerva and screened Hollywood movies for the audience in Calcutta. However, due to political unrest in the 1970s, it was later renovated and renamed as Chaplin.
Saffire Theatre, Chennai
Built in 1964, this cinema hall in Chennai is the first 70mm theatre in India apart from being the first largest multi-theatre complex along with Blue Diamond and Emerald. In its initial days, it used to screen Cleopatra followed by several Hollywood classics.
Everest Talkies, Bengaluru
This cinema hall, which dates back to more than 80 years, is a landmark in the Frazer Town area of Bangalore (now Bengaluru). Originally built in 1932, it was known to attract old-school loyalists who loved documentaries but after 2008, it started screening Hindi, English and Kannada films.
