Curly Tales

5 Pre-Independence Cinema Halls In India That Are Still Open For You To Catch A Movie At

Ankita Mazumdar
Cinema Halls

Do you know there are still cinema halls existing in India that opened way before India gained independence? Some of them have retained that old aesthetic and some have altered to match the present vibes. Did you know this? Well, now you do and can catch your next film here. Now, lights, camera and action!

5 Oldest Cinema Halls Of India That Have Opened Its Doors Since Pre-Independence Days

1. Poorna Theatre In Vizag

It would be a delight to catch a movie at this old and iconic cinema hall in India. It is said to be the longest-running cinema hall in the region of South India! Back in 1925, it was called Sri Krishna Touring Talkies and by 1930 it was changed to its existing name. Here you could only watch silent movies like Nandanaar or Bheeshma Pratijna. It was time to refurbish, so in 1949, they opened its doors again for the movie Laila Majnu!

2. Regal Cinema In Mumbai

Regal has maintained its regal and rustic charm by slightly renovating the outer Art Deco architecture portion of the cinema hall. Rest from the inside the seats and the big screen screams old vibes. One of the best things about it is that it is a pocket-friendly theatre in a place like Colaba! It was established back in 1933 and is still thronged by people from all over the world to watch a movie at Mumbai’s first luxury theatre. It is said to have revolutionised theatres in many aspects.

3. PVR Rivoli In Delhi

Rivoli was established in 1934 and has now been taken over by PVR. Hence all of the old and rustic charm has been transformed into a lavish and comfy seat with a big screen and a perfect sound system. It still is a single-screen cinema hall in Cannought Place and is probably the smallest one in CP. it also has balcony seats, just like in the old days!

Also Read: Mumbai’s Iconic Eros Cinema To Reopen In Feb As World’s 1st IMAX Theatre Located In 90-YO Building

4. Plaza Cinema In Mumbai

Located at one of the busiest places in Mumbai’s Dadar, this cinema hall is still working! It is still a single-screen theatre and screens both Hindi and Marathi films. So all kinds of cinema-goers can be found here. Back in 1935, this cinema hall was a go-to place for suburb peeps of Mumbai. It is said that many box office records for Marathi cinema were made here. It is a simple-looking theatre and still has those classic white exteriors with a huge film poster of the current films.

5. Eros Cinema In Mumbai

Another iconic Art Deco-style cinema hall in Churchgate in Mumbai came back to life. Just a couple of days ago, Eros Cinema opened its doors after a gap of seven years, with the film, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. It is still a single-screen theatre but has gone IMAX this time. It was built in 1938 and is owned by S.C. Cambata Trust. Mumbaikars, you have to watch the next film here!

Also Read: Mumbaikars, Get Ready For Open-Air Cinema Experience As G5A Warehouse & Alfaaz Bring The Age of Prison To Life

Mumbai is the hub of Bollywood, so it makes sense that most of the existing cinema halls since the pre-independence days are still operating in his city of dreams.

Picture abhi baki hai mere dost!

Cover Image Credits: X/mumbaiheritage

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