Chennai’s cinema history spans over a century, evolving from early single-screen halls to modern multiplexes. The first permanent theatre, the Bioscope, opened in 1911 on Broadway, laying the foundation for a thriving industry that initially catered to European and elite audiences before expanding to the working class.
Historic Theatres and Milestones
Early Pioneers: The Gaiety Theatre (1914) and Elphinstone (1916) were among the first major venues, with the latter initially screening English films. The Wellington Theatre (1918) on Mount Road became a hub for Tamil and Hindi films, premiering Gemini Studios hits like Chandralekha.
Golden Age Innovations: The Safire Theatre complex (1964) was India’s first multiplex, featuring three halls and the country’s first 70mm screen. Shanti Theatre (1961), Chennai’s first air-conditioned cinema, became iconic for its long runs of Sivaji Ganesan films.
Cultural Landmarks: Kinema Central (later Murugan Talkies) screened the first Tamil-Telugu talkie, Kalidas (1931). Devi Theatre (1970) and Casino Theatre (1941, Art Deco style) also defined the era, though many historic venues like Wellington and Safire have since been demolished or repurposed.
Today, while many iconic single-screen theatres have vanished, Gaiety remains one of the oldest surviving venues, and the city now hosts numerous high-tech multiplexes that continue Chennai’s rich cinematic legacy
https://madrasmusings.com/vol-34-no-2/heritage-watch-the-heydays-of-cinema-theatres/
https://www.feathershotels.com/blog/chennais-iconic-cinema-halls/