Curly Tales

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

Tooba Shaikh
Eros Cinema

Old theatres and Mumbai have a quaint relationship. A number of old theatres are scattered throughout the city giving it an old-world charm that the city is so admired for. From the famed Maratha Mandir to Regal Cinema, there is no shortage of charming old theatres in the city. One of Mumbai’s most loved theatres was the iconic Eros Cinema. Due to poor ticket sales, it was sadly shut down back in 2017. But now, it is back!

Eros Cinema Reopens As An IMAX Theatre

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

This particular cinema was shut five years ago as the ticket sales were poor and the brand-new multiplexes gave it tough competition. However, in April this year, there were rumours that the iconic cinema was being demolished. But those rumours turned out to be untrue.

According to an article recently published by Bollywood Hungama, the theatre was initially only supposed to be an INOX Multiplex. However, because of a merger, the property will now be an INOX-PVR property. Interestingly, the article also mentions that the Eros Cinema will be the very first IMAX screen in the South Mumbai region.

Also Read: Fact Check: Eros Cinema, One Of The 1st Single Screens, Is Being Renovated & Not Pulled Down!

World’s First IMAX Theatre In A 90-YO Building

Atul Gupta, the Managing Partner of Metro Realty responsible for Eros’s redevelopment spoke to TOI. He revealed that Eros Cinema will reopen in February as a swanky 300-seater cinema hall. What makes it stand apart from other theatres is that it will be the world’s first IMAX theatre to be situated in a 90-year-old heritage building. Eros Cinema will be a two-level establishment for retail and F&B spaces.
To give cinephiles, a vintage cinema hall experience, the building retains the heritage art deco elements like the famous staircases, murals, circular lobby and other features. While the Cambata family continues to own the property, INOX has taken it on lease for 30 years. Conservation architect, Kirtida Unwalla stated to TOI that they have not just preserved but even enhanced the 6-foot tall artistic panels which take you through the journey of cinema. They have reproduced the signature frozen fountain and even restored the old doors and windows on the ground floor.

Jio World Cinema To Get An IMAX Theatre As Well

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Jio World Convention Centre or the JWCC located in Bandra-Kurla Complex also has a theatre with a total of six screens, inaugurated in December last year.  The old Eros theatre, standing tall in the Churchgate area of Mumbai, has been a looming figure in the city’s architectural history. Its Art Deco architectural style matches the aesthetic of many iconic buildings in the city.

Also Read: ₹820 For Popcorn & Pepsi? Noida PVR’s Bill Goes Viral As Man Says Going To Cinemas Is Unaffordable

Would you like to visit once the cinema is officially open again? Did you visit the cinema before it shut down? Let us know in the comments below!

Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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