The Demolition of Alankar Theatre: A Farewell to Mumbai's Single-Screen Cinema
Mumbai recently witnessed the demolition of Alankar Theatre, one of the city's iconic single-screen cinemas. The decline of this historic venue reflects the broader challenges faced by single-screen theatres in the face of rising real-estate pressures and competition from modern multiplexes.
MumbaiAlankar TheatreSinglescreen CinemaRealestateMultiplexesReal Estate MumbaiSep 28, 2025
Located between Girgaon and Grant Road, Alankar belonged to a once-vibrant circuit of single screens that peppered districts like Grant Road, Girgaon, Colaba, and other central parts of the city. These theatres—alongside names like Novelty, Minerva, Liberty, New Empire, Central, Majestic—were more than movie halls: they were social hubs and cultural landmarks.
Novelty Cinema, for example, closed its doors in 2006 after nearly 80 years of operation. Its building—Novelty Chambers—served as a landmark in Grant Road. Another example is New Empire, opened as a live theatre in the early 20th century before converting into a cinema; it finally shut down in 2014 after incurring significant financial losses amid changing audience habits.
Like many of its peers, Alankar suffered from the same vulnerabilities: aging infrastructure, fewer screenings, inability to compete with multiplex-style amenities, and often, regulatory or upkeep challenges. The demolition of Alankar is part of a larger trend in Mumbai where many single-screen theatres are being redeveloped, repurposed, or razed. It had been more like an inactive hall for today's moviegoers, but the previous generations knew it as a landmark for movie nights.
While modern cinemas offer comfort, technology, and convenience, the loss of places like Alankar also means losing a certain texture of old Mumbai — the echo of footsteps in grand lobbies, the scent of vintage carpets, and ticket counters run by familiar faces. These theatres embodied more than film screenings; they carried memories of film premieres, long queues of patrons in modest fare, and the collective experience of watching stories together under a single roof. The demolition of Alankar is thus both a closure of a physical structure and the dimming of a communal memory in Mumbai’s rich cinematic heritage. There are a few more single screens like this but they are running in better position and are likely to continue their services for quite some time in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Alankar Theatre demolished?
Alankar Theatre was demolished due to rising real-estate pressures, dwindling audience numbers, and competition from modern multiplexes.
What are some other famous single-screen theatres in Mumbai that have closed?
Some other famous single-screen theatres in Mumbai that have closed include Novelty Cinema, Minerva, Liberty, New Empire, Central, and Majestic.
What challenges do single-screen theatres face in Mumbai?
Single-screen theatres in Mumbai face challenges such as aging infrastructure, fewer screenings, inability to compete with multiplex amenities, and regulatory or upkeep challenges.
What is the significance of single-screen theatres in Mumbai's cultural heritage?
Single-screen theatres in Mumbai are significant as they were social hubs and cultural landmarks, embodying more than just film screenings. They carried memories of film premieres, long queues, and the collective experience of watching stories together.
Are there any single-screen theatres still operating in Mumbai?
Yes, there are a few single-screen theatres still operating in Mumbai, but they are running in better positions and are likely to continue their services for some time.
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