Shanti theatre on Anna Salai, owned by Sivaji Ganesan’s family and an integral part of the late thespian’s career, is all set to change its form. But it will remain true to its content, the owners say, as it dedicates itself to a different dimension of entertainment.
Ramkumar, the eldest son of Sivaji Ganesan, after participating in the signing of the joint venture agreement with promoters Akshaya on Monday, said the landmark theatre building was set for a new avatar with world-class entertainment facilities. Answering queries from mediapersons as to whether the theatre would be closed and demolished, he made it clear that while the building would go, the brand name Shanti would remain. He said that his family was still completely involved with films, and so the continuance of the brand and films is key to them.
T. Chitty Babu, founder, Akshaya, while unwilling to divulge too many details, said the structure that will come up on the present premises will, in its final form, be a redevelopment of not only the theatre but of the entire Anna Salai. He said that international designers would be working on making the site a top-class entertainment hub featuring ample parking space, food plaza and retail outlets. He also said that the theatre would continue to run until they receive the building plan permission from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, which takes roughly between six and nine months.
The Hindu first reported about the proposal to pull down Shanti Theatre in early January.
International designers will create
a hub with parking space, food plazas
and retail outlets