Remembering the magic of Bengaluru’s single-screen theatres
An old timer remembers the heady early days when going for a movie was an adventure, with power cuts, throwing coins on the screen and black-market tickets
Growing up, the Everest Theatre in Bengaluru was the epicentre of my entertainment world! Nestled just a stone's throw from our home in Fraser Town, it became our beloved sanctuary in the pre-television era. At night, the theatre buzzed with an enchanting energy — soaring ceiling fans and tilting seats added a touch of charm.
There was also the exhilarating suspense of frequent power outages, which had the entire audience on the edge of their seats, waiting for the magic to come back to life on screen! Some moviegoers even dashed home to wrap up a chore!
Built in the 1930s by Maistry Chowriappa, this theatre became an iconic landmark of Fraser Town. In its heyday, buses from the city would stop right at its entrance, filled with eager patrons ready for a spectacular show. Chowriappa also played a pivotal role in shaping other landmarks of Bangalore such as St Francis Xavier's Cathedral and Gosha Hospital. His contributions had earned him a gold medal from Her Majesty's Government during the British Raj.
The old-timers around here have vivid memories of him cruising through town in a horse carriage. Experiencing a movie at Everest was nothing short of an adventure. Initially captivated by black-and-white cinema, we later embraced colour films. The memory of coins showering the screen and applause for epic fight scenes are still etched in my memory.
There were other theatres along the bustling Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road, and Residency Road, that screened English-language movies. Theatres like Plaza, Blumoon, Bludiamond, Symphony, Lido, Rex, Imperial, New Opera, BRV, and Galaxy were my go-to spots.
The giant posters and striking cut-outs of our favourite stars outside the cinema halls were impossible to ignore. Inside the booking area, a vibrant board filled with stunning pictures from the films further would fuel our excitement. Many made a livelihood by selling tickets on the black market.
There were all kind of shows — the morning show, matinee, the first and second shows, and sometimes even a surprise noon show squeezed in between! Those vibrant single-screen cinema theatres, full of character and charm, have now faded into a nostalgic memory.
NJ Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
