Safire theatre in Chennai: Once a cinema landmark, now reduced to nothing
The Safire Theatre Complex in Chennai, once a landmark of 70mm cinema and multiplex culture, has fallen into total disrepair. The article reflects on its historical significance as a hub for English and regional films before its eventual closure and sale.
Why it matters
It serves as a cultural retrospective on the evolution of cinema exhibition in India and the decline of iconic urban landmarks.
It is 1964 and walking down Mount Road, the massive Safire Theatre Complex could not be missed. With its widescreen opening show of Cleopatra showcasing in Madras, the Veecumsee’s Safire, as it was known, brought 70 mm filmscreening to the city.
The Safire Theatre Complex, was one of the first multiplex cinema complexes in India. Owned by a diamond merchant family, the multiplex featured Safire, Blue Diamond and Emerald theatres. In the basement was a disco and restaurant Nine Gems and later named Navaratna.
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