The theatre that stood the test of time
Kaveesha Kohli
From the time it was opened in 1975, to the advent of multiplexes which wooed away movie-goers overnight to the present, where most malls wear a deserted look, Piccadilly Square has managed to stand the test of time, mostly with success.
Today, Piccadilly boasts of three movie screens, a gym, a floor dedicated to office spaces and another floor completely occupied by retail outlets. Even on a slow Wednesday morning, people walk-in to watch movies, to occupy offices, for dance classes and to eat at the popular KFC outlet, which was the first shop in the reconstructed mall.
“The ground floor is entirely rented out. The first floor has office spaces. The second floor has the cinema, while the third floor has a gym,” said a manager at the theatre.
Situated in Sector 34, Piccadilly was one of Chandigarh’s busiest and most-happening theatres. With a seating capacity of 1,134, it was also one of the city’s largest single-screen theatres.
“Things began to change in 2003 when Fun Republic was opened,” said Kirti Prasad, a manager who had joined the theatre in 1996. Prasad maintained that even up till 2008, before the original building of the theatre was torn down, the theatre was brimming with people. The theatre, which was earlier single-screen, was re-opened in 2012 with facilities of a modern mall.
Things did not look up for the mall instantly. It was the theatre’s ability to adapt and evolve that kept it alive, even as contemporaries failed.
“Initially things were slow. It did take us a few years to reach the point where all retail outlets have been rented out,” says a manager.
The large space previously occupied by an interior designing company now has offices of a mobile company and of several companies that aid students wanting to study abroad.
Of changing times
Kirti Prasad recalls a time when people would chase him for tickets. “Now, all book tickets through BookMyShow,” he said. “Attitudes have changed. Access to the internet and computers changed how people watch movies,” he said.
Earlier, a single movie would sometimes be screened for up to six months. Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Taal, Lagaan, Hum Dil Chuke Sanam and Titanic were some of Piccadily’s biggest hits, recalled Prasad.
The demographic at Piccadilly has also changed significantly. “Only well-off people come here now. Earlier, we would get people from all walks of life,” said Prasad.
Earlier, a ticket would cost anything between Rs 35 and Rs 70. Currently, the theatre is screening three movies and a total of eight shows every day. Today, a ticket can cost anything between Rs 100 and Rs 500. “I think everyone who has ever been to a single screen, sat on stairs, danced in front of the screen when songs started playing. They repeated dialogues diligently as they were being delivered on screen. They packed food from home and snacked away while watching movie like they would’ve at home. They would agree that the multiplex experience is intimidating and uncomfortable,” said Mukul Bhatia, a student.
