The Forgotten Single-Screen Cinemas of Nagpur

thenewsdirt
Mar 1
6 min read

In Nagpur, single-screen theatres were at the heart of this culture, shaping the entertainment habits of generations.

Before the rise of plush multiplexes, these standalone cinemas were where stories came to life, where audiences laughed, cried, and cheered in packed auditoriums.

Today, many of these grand halls have either closed down or faded into obscurity, replaced by shopping complexes and modern entertainment hubs.

Yet, their significance in the city’s history remains undeniable. Among the many theatres that once flourished, four stand out, Regal Theatre, Panchsheel Cinema, Rajvilas Talkies, and Sudama Talkies.

Each of them witnessed the changing tides of cinema, survived various challenges, and played an unforgettable role in Nagpur’s film culture.

Regal Theatre: A Cinema Framed by History

Regal Theatre in Sitabuldi was unlike any other. While most cinemas were constructed solely as entertainment hubs, Regal’s entrance had a deeper historical significance.

The theatre was built within a 200-year-old arched gateway, a remnant of the Bhonsle dynasty’s rule.

This heritage structure was part of the royal compound and later repurposed to serve as the grand entryway to the cinema.

The blend of history and modern entertainment made Regal unique, allowing visitors to step through a piece of the past before immersing themselves in the latest film on screen.

Founded by the Buty family, who were prominent philanthropists in the city, Regal became one of Nagpur’s earliest single-screen theatres.

For decades, it was a key destination for film lovers, drawing audiences who wanted both entertainment and a taste of the city's rich heritage. The theatre’s popularity soared in the mid-20th century, with regular screenings of blockbuster Hindi films.

The Sitabuldi marketplace, where it was located, further added to its significance, people would combine their movie outings with shopping and dining, making a trip to Regal a full-fledged experience.

Regal’s architectural charm was another striking feature. The gateway’s intricate balconies, arched doorways, and colonial-era motifs set it apart from other theatres.

However, as the decades passed, multiplexes began dominating the entertainment landscape, and Regal struggled to attract the same crowds it once did.

Eventually, the theatre ceased operations. Despite its closure, efforts to preserve the Regal Gateway were successful, and today, it stands restored as a Grade I heritage structure.

While the projector may have gone silent, the arched entrance remains a silent witness to the stories it once framed.

Panchsheel Cinema: The Theatre That Kept Going

In 1957, Panchsheel Cinema opened its doors and quickly established itself as a pillar of Nagpur’s entertainment scene.

Located at Panchsheel Square in Ramdaspeth, it was known for its spacious auditorium, arched ceilings, and comfortable balcony seating, a design that made film-watching an immersive experience long before luxury multiplexes arrived.

Unlike many other theatres that struggled with modernisation, Panchsheel was ahead of its time in adapting to change.

One of its biggest milestones came in 2016 when it became Nagpur’s first cinema to install a solar power system. This transition to renewable energy was a testament to the theatre’s willingness to evolve while retaining its old-world charm. The solar panel system helped cut down electricity costs while ensuring the cinema remained functional and sustainable.

But Panchsheel’s real magic lay in the nostalgia it created for its visitors. It was a social space where families and friends gathered, often stopping by the famous Shanti Bhavan restaurant next door for a meal before or after the show.

Some of Bollywood’s most iconic films had their longest runs here, drawing fans who would return to watch them multiple times. Amitabh Bachchan’s Coolie (1983) was one such blockbuster that ran for weeks with packed houses.

Even when multiplexes arrived, Panchsheel retained a dedicated audience. The affordability of its tickets and its location in a prime area helped it compete with modern cinema halls. Additionally, it hosted special screenings, government film festivals, and classic movie reruns, keeping its doors open even when other single-screen theatres were shutting down.

Although the numbers eventually dwindled, Panchsheel’s ability to adapt without losing its essence allowed it to stay relevant far longer than many of its contemporaries.

While many cinemas disappeared, Panchsheel remained an unshaken landmark in Nagpur’s entertainment history.

Rajvilas Talkies: The Cinema That Found a New Life

Rajvilas Talkies (Now Nova Cinemas) in Nagpur

Rajvilas Talkies, nestled in the Mahal neighbourhood, was once one of Nagpur’s busiest single-screen theatres. Unlike the grand cinemas of the city centre, it had a more modest appearance, blending into the narrow streets of Mahal. But what it lacked in exterior grandeur, it made up for in cultural significance.

Through the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Rajvilas was a go-to destination for film lovers. It gained a reputation for screening Marathi cinema, serving a large audience that appreciated regional films alongside Bollywood hits.

One of its most iconic screenings was the 1975 religious blockbuster Jai Santoshi Maa, which ran for months with full houses. Viewers often treated the film as a spiritual experience, making repeated visits, and turning the cinema hall into an unlikely place of worship.

As the years passed, newer theatres took away a chunk of Rajvilas’ audience, and by the early 2000s, the hall had become a shadow of its former self. But instead of fading away, Rajvilas was given a second chance.

In 2018, the theatre underwent a complete transformation and reopened as Nova Cinemaz, Mahal. The auditorium was upgraded with digital projection, plush seating, and modern interiors, giving the venue a contemporary look while retaining its single-screen identity.

Sudama Talkies: The Cinema That Brought Generations Together

For over 50 years, Sudama Talkies stood on West High Court Road, offering a reliable and familiar place for film lovers. It opened in 1971 with the Rajesh Khanna classic Anand, which ran for 100 consecutive days, a rare feat that set the tone for the theatre’s future.

Unlike the grand standalone halls of earlier decades, Sudama had a curved façade and high-ceilinged interiors, making it distinct in its way.

The stone-patterned walls inside became a recognisable feature, and for many Nagpurians, the cinema felt like home. Generations of families visited it, and students often flocked to the budget-friendly morning shows.

One of the theatre’s quirks was its canteen, famous for its samosas, an attraction nearly as popular as the films themselves. Watching a movie at Sudama was never just about the film, it was about the complete experience, from buying tickets at the counter to enjoying snacks in the lobby before the lights dimmed.

By the 2000s, the hall was facing difficulties. While loyal patrons still came, multiplexes had changed cinema culture, and Sudama found it increasingly hard to compete. Then came 2022, when the decision was made to shut it down permanently.

Plans for a new commercial complex were announced, and the cinema hall, which had once been full of life, was now marked for demolition.

The closure of Sudama Talkies sparked an outpouring of nostalgia on social media. Many shared stories of their childhood visits, their first movie dates, and their favourite memories of the theatre.

Though the building would no longer stand, the name Sudama would be retained in the new development, a tribute to its long-standing role in Nagpur’s entertainment history.

The moments inside these theatres were electric. With the hush that fell over the crowd as the lights dimmed, the crackle of film reels, and the sudden burst of applause when a beloved actor appeared on screen, each visit felt like an event.

The energy in the theatre was infectious, turning even the simplest scene into something unforgettable.

Outside, the atmosphere had a charm of its own. Ticket counters buzzed with excitement, eager voices debating which film to see next. The scent of freshly roasted peanuts and samosas filled the air as street vendors did brisk business before and after every show.

Conversations spilt onto the footpaths, carrying the emotions of the film long after the credits had rolled.

The magic of these theatres wasn’t confined to the screen, it was in the anticipation before stepping inside, the shared glances between strangers during an intense moment, and the lingering thrill of a great film that stayed with you long after leaving.