Prarthana Theatre: Where stars sparkled on screen and in the sky
This article reflects on the history of Prarthana Theatre, a popular drive-in cinema in Chennai that opened in 1991. Residents recall the venue as a significant cultural hub that provided a unique open-air movie-watching experience for families.
Why it matters
It highlights the evolution of urban recreation and the nostalgia associated with iconic local landmarks in Indian cities.
“We watched two sets of stars — one sparkling in the night sky and the other coming alive on the giant screen,” says Vijayalakshmi Muralidharan recalling her frequent visits to Prarthana Theatre, Chennai’s erstwhile drive-in theatre on East Coast Road, in the early 1990s.
For Ms. Muralidharan, daughter of veteran director and producer A.P. Nagarajan, a trip from her then residence in Adyar to the open-air theatre in Injambakkam offered more than a movie outing. It was an experience of watching the stars in the night sky and her favourite stars on the silver screen, each adding to the magic of the evening.
Located on a sprawling 15-acre site at Injambakkam, Prarthana began its journey as a beachside drive-in theatre and restaurant complex.
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