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Udhayam theatre, an iconic cinema hall in Chennai, is set for demolition to make way for a residential complex on its prime 1.31-acre property in Ashok Nagar. Established as one of the city's first multiplexes, the theatre complex was built on land acquired from the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) through a conditional sale deed in 1983. The property, encompassing Udhayam, Mini Udhayam, Suriyan, and Chandran theatres, will be transformed into a residential development, reflecting a trend where standalone theatres in prime locations are being sold to real estate developers due to operational losses.
According to S Balasubramanian, claiming to be the founder's son, the TNHB initially allocated the land in his father Sundaram Pillai's name. Subsequently, the sale deed was registered under the name of Aruna Theatres company, with five brothers included as directors. The theatre complex holds historical significance, being the venue for the screening of the first movie, 'Sivappu Suriyan,' featuring Rajnikanth.
Experts in the city note that standalone theatres in prime locations are selling to real estate developers due to financial losses. The prevailing higher Floor Space Index (FSI) allows for the construction of multi-storey buildings, making residential complexes a viable alternative.
The likely closure of the Udhayam theatre caused regret among cinema enthusiasts who fondly remembered celebrating the success of Rajnikanth's films at the renowned location. R Rajini Babu, Kancheepuram district joint secretary of the Rajinikanth Fans and Welfare Association, recalled putting posters and welcoming visitors to the movie theatre. S Sridhar, Secretary of the TN Theatre Owners Association, underlined the challenges faced by over 300 cinemas across the state, with several on the edge of closure due to financial difficulties increased by increased online streaming platform viewing.
The closure of Udhayam theatre represents a broader trend affecting cinema halls, where economic pressures, coupled with the surge in Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, pose significant challenges to traditional theatres' sustainability. As the landscape evolves, the fate of iconic venues like Udhayam reflects the broader transformation in the entertainment industry.
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