Curtains come down on iconic Shanti theatre

Screens its last show on Sunday night; new multiplex to come up in two years

The end:The last show at Shanti theatre was screened on Sunday night. —Photo: K. Pichumani

Shanti Theatre on Anna Salai screened its last film on Sunday.

After Sunday’s night show of Suriya-starrer 24, work on redeveloping the premises as a multiplex began. More than 100 people saw the film while another 100 tickets were sold for the last show of Captain America at Sai Shanthi on Sunday night.

The films were the last to be screened at the 54-year-old theatre, which carved a niche among the fans of

Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan. The theatre, owned by Sivaji Ganesan’s family, is expected to retain the brand name Shanti after redevelopment. “A modern theatre complex will come up in its place in two years,” said a member of the theatre staff.

Demolition in 3 months

The theatre is expected to be demolished in three months, and the new complex will include a multiplex with smaller screens.

Work on demolishing the building that housed the popular Hotel Saravana Bhavan on the complex was completed in December 2014. All the tenants had vacated.

On Sunday, a few visitors who came to know about the demolition were found exploring the premises adorned with pictures of Sivaji Ganesan, his son Prabhu and grandson Vikram Prabhu.

A plaque with all of Sivaji Ganesan’s films and references to achievements also attracted a few visitors.

International designers have been making the site a top-class entertainment hub featuring ample parking space, a food plaza and retail outlets.