Chennai's Historic 'Udhayam' Theatre To Be History, Housing Complex To Replace (Photo on X Raghavan JV @IamRagbon )

Giving way to the developments, Chennai’s iconic theatre, Udhayam, one of the first theatres in the city, is making headlines now, with the reports of its closure surfaces. The theatre has witnessed filmgoers since 1983, creating a nostalgic feel among the cinephiles in the city. The four-decade-old theatre has also been featured in many Tamil movies, given its connection with the people of Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai. The name and the complex are not just like ordinary threats for the Chennaites, but rather an emotion.

The complex spanning across an area of 1.31 acres in Ashok Nagar has witnessed fanfare and other events. The Casagrande, a multi-national real estate company which bought the theatre has reportedly planned to raze the existing structure and build a 25-story residential complex, ending the landmark legacy of an era.

The first movie which was released in the theatre was Rajinikanth starrer Sivappu Suriyan, beginning its journey of a lifetime. The theatre also witnessed the ever-hit Rajinikanth movie Baashha, which ran for around 125 days, among many other memories.

Many took to X listing out the Rajnikanth movies, that dominated the theatre running more than 100 days, which surpassed ten. Expressing his sorrow, a user, Raghavan JV wrote he had so many great memories from Udhayam Theatre. “One of those iconic Arenas which celebrated Cinema for close to Half a century. Yet another Icon will be razed for Urban development,” he wrote.

So many great memories from #UdhayamTheatre.
One of those iconic Arenas which celebrated Cinema close to Half a century.

Yet another Icon will be razed for Urban development. pic.twitter.com/udtgaZ7GRS

— Raghavan JV (@IamRagbon) February 15, 2024

The Theater had been put under auction in 2009 too but it was spared back then when its owner Paramasivam Pillai outbid everyone else and maintained its ownership.

Reports suggest that another 300 threats across Tamil Nadu are waiting for the fate of Udhayam. The arrival of streaming platforms reportedly posed threat to the existence of the standalone theatres, with fewer people visiting the theatres, forcing the owners to close the theaters