Eros Cinema: An Iconic Landmark Reborn As Mumbai's Second IMAX Theatre (image-twitter/artdecomumbai)

The beating heart of the Indian film industry where dreams are woven into celluloid reality, Mumbai had to witness one of its most iconic cinema theatres close its door due to poor ticket sales in 2017. But after seven years, the 90-year-old building reopens its doors for cinemagoers in a new avatar. Revamped as an IMAX theatre, the the landmark theatre at Churchgate will become the second IMAX screen in Mumbai.

Eros will also become the first IMAX cinema hall in the world located in a 90-year-old building.

While the structure continues to hold its red Agra sandstone and the Eros signage intact, the interiors boast of 305-seater IMAX theatre in the second floor operated by PVR Inox. With a next-generation laser projection and multi-channel sound system, Eros promises for an immersive experience for cinemagoers.

While much of the interior architecture, including the circular lobby and its iconic staircases, has been preserved, the balconies have been removed to give space to retail spaces on the first floor.

While the theatre was supposed to be an INOX Multiplex, the property is now an INOX-PVR property due to a merger.

Conservation architect Kirtida Unwalla, accompanied with Hafeez Contractor and Talati & Partners, have laid out the construction and designed the interiors without discarding the building”s charm. “Eros has been in everyone”s hearts, and it”s a very charming building. We wanted to do it meticulously, maintaining its red carpet history and Art Deco elements…It was like we were wearing the Eros cap through every single communication,” said Akshat Gupta, the managing partner at Metro Realty, the firm that has undertaken the redevelopment.

Commissioned by Shiavax Cawasji Cambata, a Parsi businessman, in 1935, restoration began in 2019 as its roof was falling apart and the flooring was damaged. Named after the Greek god of love and desire, Eros Cinema first opened its doors on February 10, 1938. Described as the epitome of design and style at the time by Bombay Deco, the building was designed by architect Sohrabji Bhedwar.