The iconic triangular-shaped building of Chanakya cinema was the place to catch a movie before the multiplexes took over. Old-timers talk to Kritika Dua about its newest avatar and the good times

When curtains came down on the Chanakya cinema with the night show of Taare Zameen Par on December 27, 2007, it was the end of an era. People were disheartened by the closing of the iconic cinema hall which was built in 1970. Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker was the first movie to be screened on December 17, 1970 at the theatre.

An outlet of Nirula’s, the popular fast food joint, which coloured the memories of an entire generation and spring boarded them in the world of pizzas and burgers was housed in the same complex.

For those, with lighter wallets, the Yashwant Place market was the place to grab a bite. Film-goers made a beeline for momos at the Chimney, one of the first places in Delhi, besides the Cantonment area which offered the Tibetan snack, which has now been thoroughly Indianised.

But all that was in the past. The place has been jazzed up and is making a comeback as a luxury mall, which is set to be bigger than DLF Emporio. Called The Chanakya, it is slated to open in October. Fashionistas can shop for brands like Mont Blanc, Tom Ford Women, Kate Spade as well as India’s first Hermes store. In the meantime, movie buffs can already rejoice for a multiplex called PVR ECX, The Chanakya, has already opened and is screening Bhoomi, which incidentally is the comeback movie of Sanjay Dutt after his 42-month jail term.

The cinema will blend luxurious experience for the audience along with the best cinema technology. There are many reasons which makes it stand out – dolby atmos sound, 4k display, next generation 3-D enabled screens and a seating capacity of 1,00 people. Ordering food too has become streamlined with The Quick Bite kiosk where people can electronically book food and drinks. Fitness freaks can also indulge in health and gourmet menu. “The revamp was done at a cost of Rs 12-13 crores,” said Sanjeev Bijli, joint managing director, PVR Limited.

Talking about reviving the iconic cinema, Ajay Bijli, chairman and managing director, PVR Limited said, “Chanakya was an iconic cinema and it’s associated with many cherished memories for a generation of Delhi citizens. Now, in its new avatar we feel extremely proud and privileged to revive this great property.” He hopes that people will enjoy coming to this dramatic new hall and have an enjoyable experience. Bijli also explained the concept of ECX. “It is a format that plays on every aspect of movie watching, starting from design, comfort in auditorium, vibrancy and technology,” he said. He believes that it will do great business and they will keep on working to create better cinema experience.

Reminiscing about the good old days, Ram Sharma, 41-year-old, resident of Chanakyapuri said “Earlier, I used to come here to have snacks after a movie. But since the movie hall shut down, I visited it once or twice a month for old time’s sake. The food quality also dropped with the decrease in the number of visitors. Only some of the shops have maintained their quality.”

The shop owners at Yashwant Place market too agreed that the closure of the original Chanakya affected their business. Sumit Pahuja, owner, Chanakya Barbeque said, “I started my shop 38 years back and sold cold drinks. We gradually expanded it to a restaurant as the cinema hall ensured footfalls and the shop remained open till late. But since the last few years it has been a dry phase for us. I hope that things will change after opening of the multiplex.”

But not just food joints, the market also has shops which sell leather, jewellery and handicrafts which too were affected by Chanakya’s closure. Sonu Gupta, owner of China Town Sizzlers said, “Earlier there were many leather shops in the Russian market but after the plague in 1990’s, they closed their shops and entered into food business. After 2007, the market has seen a steady decline.” He wonders if the opening of PVR would have any positive effect on his business or not. He adds, “We have been able to pay rent and our staff from the limited number of customers over last few years. We can’t close our shops and start something else,” he says. The specialties of this shop are momos, thukpa, chowmein, fish, prawns and sizzlers.

While in the 80s there were only four food joints – Chimney’s, China Town, Bawarchi and Al-Kureshi. Over the years the number grew to 14-15 food joints.

Talking about patrons who came to his shop, Mohammad Akhlaq, owner of Al-Kureshi said, “Girls from Maitreyi as well as Jesus and Mary college used to come here. The cinema held an attraction for youngsters. Now, people who crave Chinese, Mughlai food visit us.” The star dishes of this place are Galauti kebab, Mutton burra, Chicken biryani and Chilly chicken.

Earlier customers included students, politicians, college-goers and foreigners. People also came from nearby markets like Sarojini Nagar. The more popular shops saw a large number of customers everyday. Within two-three years of closing of Chanakya, the shops saw a dramatic drop in customers. Though business picked up after a few years, it has not reached the same level as when the theatre was operational. The opening of the PVR might just signal the turning of the tide.