{"id":8531,"date":"2023-11-29T16:38:25","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T16:38:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelindiadestinations.com\/?p=8531"},"modified":"2026-01-19T23:44:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T18:14:12","slug":"old-theatres-in-mumbai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travelindiadestinations.com\/old-theatres-in-mumbai\/","title":{"rendered":"25 Old Theatres in Mumbai: A Visual Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Old theatres in Mumbai are essentially single screen theatres in Mumbai which remain an integral part of the history and culture of the city. However, sadly many of them have shut down or are on the verge of shutting down thanks to an unstoppable force called development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiplexes are becoming a trend offering exceptional movie experiences. Over the past decade, Mumbai has seen considerable growth in terms of multiplexes mushrooming all over the city. This has led to the downfall of the single screen old theatres in Mumbai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

As per one of the Hindustan Times articles of 2021, there are 259 multiplexes and 65 single screen theatres in Mumbai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No doubt, there are differences between a single screen theatre and a multiplex<\/a> and it is up to the audience to decide what they want. However, I believe there are audiences for all kinds of cinema and these old theatres in Mumbai need revival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog post, we go back in time and learn more about these old theatres in Mumbai. These cinema halls were once the pride of the city and brought the magic of cinema into our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Quick History of the Mumbai Theatre Industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mumbai is the entertainment capital of India. Before the term Bollywood was coined, movies made here were essentially called \u2018Bombay Cinema\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Today, it contributes 43% of the Indian net box office revenues and on average produces more than 300 movies annually. The industry is more than 100 years old and generates plenty of employment. However, it also gives rise to another industry that depends directly on it \u2013 theatres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Theatres\nare vital to the growth of the movie industry. Without it, the movie industry\nwould collapse. There\u2019s plenty of content on the internet about the rise of the\nIndian cinema. However, this post focuses on the other side of the same coin \u2013 old\ntheatres in Mumbai. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinema and theatre industry are dependent on each other and therefore they both have seen the same kind of growth in the past century. It all began in 1896 when some of the first films shot by Lumiere Brothers were shown in Bombay (now Mumbai). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there weren\u2019t many theatres in Mumbai that could showcase it. It was only after 1930s that various production companies and theatres in Mumbai sprung up all over. Eventually, it became a place to hangout and entertain on a daily and weekly basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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List of Single Screen Theatres in Mumbai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Capitol Cinema, Fort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Capitol Cinema is one of the oldest single screen theatres in Mumbai. The history of Capitol Cinema dates back even before the Lumiere Brothers showcased their films in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was in 1864 when Kuvarji Sorabji Nazir decided to start his Elphinstone Theatrical Club. However, due to various entrepreneurial and personal reasons, he decided to quit being the owner of the two large theatre companies.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Exterior
A defunct Capitol Cinema in Mumbai<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

During that era, Bombay had no substantial theatre companies to lure travelling companies from Europe and Australia. This is because most would choose to visit Calcutta where more theatre companies were present and thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1879, Nazir managed to secure a site from the Government right opposite the Victoria Terminus to entertain the travellers passing by and the local gentry class. Nazir decided to open a theatre by the name – Gaiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By 1893, Nazir was financially in ruins and the theatre was bought by Chhotalal Mulchand Kapadia. In the late 1930s, Bombay was quickly becoming the epicentre of the entertainment industry and this is when the Sidhwa family bought the theatre and renamed it Capitol Cinema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over many decades the Capitol Cinema screened plenty of English and Hindi movies during its prime days. However, with decreasing footfalls and a lack of funds, the end of Capitol Cinema was inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, only this Victorian Heritage Grade II building remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Famous Movies Screened at Capitol Cinema<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andhaa Yudh (1987), Chingaari (2006)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Imperial Cinema, Lamington Road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in the busy commercial area on Lamington Road, Imperial Cinema focused on orchestra performance and silent films. Established in the early 1900s it gained a lot of popularity making Lamington Road a hub for cinephiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The theatre was built on the property owned by the Mangalas family. By the time, I came into existence in 1980, the Imperial Theatre was one of the popular cinema halls in Bombay. However, it was competing with Naaz Cinema and Swastik Cinema right next to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Famous Movies Screened at Imperial Cinema<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dada (1979), Bhagwan Dada (1986)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"A
A defunct Imperial Cinema on Lamington Road<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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\"A
Entry Gate of a defunct Imperial Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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\"The
Elephants adorning the rear gate of Imperial Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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3. Regal Cinema, Colaba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, Regal offers a magnificent cinema-watching experience like no other. Regal Cinema opened its doors in 1933 and was Mumbai’s first luxury theatre. With its Art Deco architecture, it remains one of the iconic heritage buildings in Kala Ghoda<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed by Charles Stevens. Charles was the son of F.W. Stevens, the main architect of the Victoria Terminus (now CST). This theatre revolutionized the theatre industry in many different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"The
The most iconic single screen theatre of Mumbai<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As per a 2019 Mint article<\/a>, Regal was leased by Framji Sidhwa, founder of Globe Theatres and was built on a site initially used as a saluting battery by the British Army.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What made Regal Cinema stand out from the rest of the single screen theatres back then was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was the first fully airconditioned theatre in India. By 1953, it was the first theatre in India to offer CinemaScope films. To begin with, it was the first theatre built completely in reinforced cement concrete (RCC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, it was the first to have an underground car parking for patrons. Also, it was the first to have an elevator from the underground car parking area. It was the first theatre to use the concept of neon lighting in Mumbai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a personal note, I have plenty of memories at the Regal Cinema. As per my memory, the first movie I got to see here was King Kong Lives. Although, I’m not confident as it is a fleeting childhood memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, I also watched Wheels on Meals<\/em> by Jackie Chan. However, my three most memorable movie experiences at the Regal Cinema were watching Free Willy, Titanic <\/em>and Independence Day<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Famous Movies Screened at Regal Cinema<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jai Ho (2014), Devdas (1955), Aaja Nachle (2007), Free Willy (1993), Titanic (1997), Independence Day (1996), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Assasins (1995), Face Off (1997), Men in Black (1997), Deep Blue Sea (1999), Shanghai Noon (2000), Charlie’s Angels (2000), Planet of the Apes (2001), Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), Pearl Harbor (2001), Goal (2007), Contraband (2012), Agneepath (2012), Underworld (2003), XXX (2003), Daredevil (2003), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), The Interpreter (2005), Flightplan (2005), Click (2006), Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol (2011), Thappad (2020), Taxi No 9211 (2006), Jolly LLB 2 (2017), Raazi (2018), Ki & Ka (2016), Bharat (2019), The Kings Speech (2010), Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Phantom (2015), Dostana (2008), Wheels on Meals (1984), The Avengers (2012).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Naaz Cinema, Lamington Road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No list of old theatres in Mumbai is complete without mentioning the iconic Naaz Cinema. Located on Lamington Road, Naaz Cinema sits inside the lane right next to the Imperial Cinema. R.P. Anand bought this sprawling property in the early 50s and turned it into a theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"A
A defunct Naaz Cinema building in Mumbai<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Art Deco interiors of the movie hall have sculptures of banner logos of top film production companies. Many celebrities believed that releasing their movies in Naaz was lucky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subsequently, in its prime, Naaz Cinema screened some of the biggest hits. Surprisingly, most of the movies released here went on to become mega-hits of their era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the early 80s when I was a toddler, a horror fantasy movie named Jaani Dushman (Sworn Enemy) ran here. A huge devil face poster was put up which would make me cry. Subsequently, my mother would have to convince me that it wasn\u2019t real and just a poster. – Sharukh Bamboat<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Famous Movies Screened at Naaz Cinema<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

100 Days (1991), Jaani Dushman (1979), Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981), Hum Kisise Kam Naheen (1977), Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Char Dil Char Rahen (1959), Anuradha (1960), Anokhi Raat (1968), Veerana (1988), Ilzaam (1986), Purana Mandir (1984), Nagin (1976), Bandh Darwaza (1990).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Eros Cinema, Churchgate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now reopened, Eros Cinema surely is on my list of the best old theatres in Mumbai. Located right outside the Churchgate Station in South Bombay, Eros Cinema was built in 1938. S.C. Cambata Trust owns the building while the Eros Trust operates the cinema.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"A
Eros Cinema building in Mumbai<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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In the 1970s, Eros Cinema ran The Exorcist for nearly 20 weeks. To offer medical assistance, an ambulance was stationed outside the theatre for those who became unconscious after watching horror scenes. Mid-Day \/ 5th Aug 2013 Edition<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Like the Regal Cinema, it was built during the period when cinema was booming in India. Also, it has a distinct Art Deco edifice which was in fashion during the early 1930s. This makes it one of the finest Art Deco buildings in Mumbai<\/a> close to iconic monuments like the Flora Fountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Seating Company made the original chairs in the theatre. On a personal note, I\u2019ve watched some great Indian movies here like Satya, Lagaan, Raaz <\/em>and The Da Vinci Code<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update<\/strong>: In January of 2024, Eros Cinema Mumbai has reopened doors as Eros INOX IMAX<\/a> making it the best theatre in Mumbai for those who value premium viewing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Famous Movies Screened at Eros Cinema<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daylight (1996), Satya (1998), Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000), Lagaan (2001), Raaz (2002), 99 (2009), Mr Beans Holiday (2007), Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), Dangeour Ishq 3D (2012), Ishaqzaade (2012), A Wednesday (2008), Cheeni Kum (2007), The Train (2007), Jungle (2009), Kya Kehnaa (2000), Prince of Persia (2010), Raajneeti (2010), Chennai Express (2013)<\/em>, The Da Vinci Code (2006), <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Novelty Cinema, Grant Road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being the closest to my home, it would be hard for me to count how many times I have been to Novelty Cinema. While I’m not quite sure about the year when Novelty Cinema came into existence it was renewed in the 1960s and screened Bimal Roy’s Benazir (1964)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Exteriors
A defunct Novelty Cinema building crumbling into pieces brick by brick<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

One of the charms of the single screen old theatres in Mumbai was that they had photographs of various scenes from the movie in the reception area. The audience can have a look at those pictures before they watch the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, the patrons had the option to carry their snacks with them, unlike today where you cannot. Also, the prices of food and beverages were affordable which multiplexes need to learn from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, Novelty Cinema Mumbai has seen plenty of change of ownership which has led to the abandonment of this project. From Adlabs to Reliance BIG Cinemas and now owned by Carnival Cinemas. So far, there is no telling when this single screen theatre will transform into a multiplex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Famous Movies Screened at Novelty Cinema<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aakhir Kyon (1985), Do Aur Do Paanch (1980), Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985), Kaamchor (1982), Tohfa (1984), Dil (1990), Raja (1995), Love 86 (1986), Nikaah (1982), Nagina (1986), Nigahein (1989)<\/em>, No Entry (2005), Appu Raja (1989)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some of Mumbai\u2019s cinema stories never made it into guidebooks.<\/em> We share more stories about Mumbai from time to time.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n