Friday, August 26, 2011

The Cinema Theatres of Hyderabad that have Disappeared

Hyderabad was well-known for the sheer number and good upkeep of cinema theatres for long. Friday releases were a huge thing three decades ago when movies offered the greatest form of entertainment, when television had not yet made its foray into our households and completely zapped all action. From the several that were there in thos days, many landmarks have gone missing - landmarks because those areas were always referred to by the biggest and most well known theatres there. Here is a list of some of the theatres that have entertained many a Hyderabadi with racy Hindi multi-starrers, B grade English movies and even Malayalam movies.

1) Sangeet theatre: This theatre held pride of place, the prima donna among theatres for the quality of crowd it attracted and the quality of movies it showed. Almost all the best English movies played at Sangeet and it offered a great ambience and experience with a clean theatre, good canteen, lots of parking space. I watched many English movies here including 'Gone with the Wind', 'Falling in love', 'Oh God', 'All that Jazz', 'Dirty Dancing' and so many more.

2) Maheshwari and Parameshwari: These relatively newer twin theatres came up in the 80s and soon became the landmark in the Kacheguda area. Glitzy in their decor and architecture, they were best known for the escalator, probably the first in public space in Hyderabad, which was almost a major tourist attraction those days. I saw 'Jaws' here with my school cricket team, and several other Hindi movies.

3) Farheen, Shaheen (later became Surya): These two theatres were also new those days, the late 70s and played new Hindi movies and even English movies. The big landmark of Tilak Road off Abids, they drew big crowds. I remember watching 'Poltergesit' in this theatre.

4) Palace theatre: This theatre was located at the corner near GPO and was quite spacious. It generally played Hindi movies if I remember right. I probably saw only one or two movies but I remember going to a place called Ajanta Cool Drinks near it. This Ajanta Cool Drinks only served cool drinks but had an elaborate set of rules one of which was that you cannot comb your hair in the store!

5) Royal theatre: Somewhere in those parts, of King Kothi, if I am not mistaking it with Palace. It was a well known theatre then but I never went there.

6) Zamrud theatre: One of the oldest and grandest in terms of its location, bang in the middle of Abids, opposite the now older Santosh Sapna, Zamrud was the grand daddy of them all in Hyderabad as far as Hindi movies were concerned,. Huge posters of Hindi films, painted then of course, displayed all over, where you could barely make out who the stars were depending on the quality of the artist. I saw 'Khoon Pasina' here and 'Dharmatma'. Zamrud, sadly vanished without a trace.

7) Navrang, Ashok, Vikranti: The three theates stood side by side on the busy Jamnagar road, almost at the junction of Mojamjahi market and played Hindi blockbusters all the time. They were always crowded. I saw 'Don' for the first time in one of the three theatres.

8) Plaza theatre: This theatre was one of the few that played English movies, but rather second rate movies. It was fading even in teh late 70s with lack of upkeep, but it held a fine place at the corner of the road leading to Nanking. I saw some movie here - I forget which.

9) Lighthouse theatre: This was a relic, a heritage structure if any. every day we passed by Lighthouse on the way to school, as it invitingly put out posters form its cosy location near Lepakshi next to Nizam College. It continuously played soft porn films of Malayalam and some English language. I saw a Malayalam classic called 'Wine and Women' here.

10) Basant talkies: Another landmark in Kacheguda, now a function hall. It played Hindi movies generally and was a good theatre.

11) Dreamland theatre: This was was near Tivoli, probably still is. It looked very European with lots of space and was a nice structure, only very old. I never saw a movie here though we hear that it was a popular joint in the 60s for English movies. It slowly started showing only shady movies later.

12) Shaam theatre: This one lurked at the corner of Lakdi ka pul and played many Hindi blockbusters. It had a fine approach, lot of parking space and a blue facade that I can never forget. I saw some movie here, I forget which.

13) Theatre next to Shaam, was it Dilshad?: This theatre was next to Shaam, not prominent because it was a little in the gully immediately after Lakdi ka pul. It was a slightly seedy joint that showed several Hindi movies, maybe the old ones. Never went there.

14) Manohar theatre: Closest to Secunderabad railway station, it played its own version of B grade movies and Telugu movies. Never went there. I wonder if it is still around. (Apparently it is, sorry Manohar!)

15) Shobhana theatre: This was the first theatre in the Balanagar area and regaled many cinema lovers with its Telugu and Hindi movies. Later on the management built Vimal theatre, a much bigger theatre. Now only Vimal remains while Shobhana has been brought down.

16) Sheeshmahal theatre: A well known landmark in Ameerpet, it stood proudly on te main road. It was a big theatre early on with many good movies playing there. But with the advent of other theatres closeby, the management seemed to lose interest and it gradually closed down. I saw 'Dana Veera Soora Karna' here, a fantastic movie by NTR where he played all three roles of Krishna, Duryodhana and Karna.

17) Skyline and Sterling: The big Landmark in Basheerbagh, plenty of parking, huge space, nice eating joints around. good movies. I saw plenty of movies there ' 'Chicago', 'Titanic', a whole festival of Bond movies was it or something similar, and many forgettable movies too. But I enjoyed the movie going experience in Skyline and Sterling always.

18) Liberty: The theatre was so popular that the bus stop and area at the junction of the road meeting the Basheerbagh-Tank Bund road from Himayat Nagar was called Liberty. A huge affair with some old fashioned architecture on it (can't remember the motif) and lots of English movies which later degenerated into B grade English movies. Was it 'African Safari' that I saw here, or was it 'Silent Movie', I fail to recollect, but I saw these and some other not so good movies.

19) Natraj, Ajanta: If I remember right they were next to one another, at the corner of the Secunderabad GPO traffic signal leading towards Clock Tower. Natraj was a grand affair, with lots of big releases but Ajanta was not if I remember right. I never saw a movie in either theatre but I passed by both several times of course.

20) Kalpana theatre: This one in Kavadiguda has been around for decades. But I am not sure if it is still around. Another one that needs to be checked up on.

These are what I can remember now. More when I get them. However I must doff the proverbial hat to Vijayalakshmi theatre in Ameerpet, a run down establishment if ever there was one, that played B grade movies always and which looked it would wind up even in the late 70s, one way or another. It has survived and still plays movies! Truly a champion.

But I truly had wonderful memories of all these theatres. It was an experience to watch movies then in these single screens complete with the wisecracks, loud comments, first day blues, black marketing, queuing up for hours, trying to get women to buy tickets for us etc. Sangeet had lovely sandwiches but all others had pretty lousy fare. But who cared? A movie was as experience, where everyone dressed out well, took popcorn money, went with families, and in all likelihood ate lunch or a meal outside. A complete experience. Thank you all for making life so wonderful those days, for the entertainment, music, song, dance, drama. Great stuff!

131 comments:

Dr. Seven said...

Hari,
This post stirred many memories of Hyderabad in me! Those theatres were the main pastime during school/college days in the 70s and 80s, and were landmarks indeed!

Royal theater, if I remember right, was in Koti, right next to Dilshad. Royal theater and the two gates of Women's college sort of formed a triangle. I stood in line for 90 minutes for an advance ticket of Amar Akbar Anthony in Royal. It had the most beautiful velvet curtain that would rise before each screening of a movie.

Harimohan said...

Hi Satish,
Thanks. I got my Dilshad mixed up a bit. You are right, Royal and Dilshad were together. What then is the theatre near Shaam theatre? I must find out. Also I hope to get some pics of what stands in their place now.

Diwakar said...

Hi Hari,
The thetre next to Shaam in Lakdikapul was 'Regal'. It played the usual movies and I remember to have seen the film 'Yasoda Krishna' in the 70s. Another theatre which was prominent in the city was 'Liberty' and the entire area and a bus stop also was named after it. You took me through all those good old days and made me nostalgic.

Anonymous said...

Very nice post. Enjoyed reading it. Just to add to the list, Skyline and Sterling are two big theaters that are missed by many. And while Manohar still exists, Secunderabad has lost Ajantha and Natraj.

Thanks for taking us down the memory lane. Fond memories.

Madhav said...

Liberty!

One of my favorites. Movie at liberty and biryni at Moghul Durbar was the ultimate evening out. If the evening ended with a ride on tank-bund with "nice" company on my RX100....that was pure bliss.

Harimohan said...

Aaargh, how did I miss Skyline and Sterling? I saw so many movies there! Thanks Vijven, I suspected that Manohar was around but this Ajanta was one I never went to! And of course, Natraj was a big theatre - one of those Friday theatres.
Liberty was on the top of my list (until I wrote the list).
And Diwakar, Regal was it?
Thanks guys. I am updating that list right now.

RAZAK said...

friends one by one many a theatres are getting closed, Anand and Manohar both at secunderabad had clsoed, Kamal and tirumala at chaderghat, Surya 70 & 35mm at abids, shalimar and Kavya and many more...

Harimohan said...

Yes Razak. Many landmarks are slowly fading in Hyderabad. The old it appears is making way for the new!

Anonymous said...

Anyone remember if Balaji is still around? It used to be in Musheerabad/Bakaram area.

RAZAK said...

Hi friends,
Amaravathi at lakdikapul, Sudershan & Oden theatres at RTC x roads, Venkatesh & srinivas complex at narayanguda, Basanth, Prabhat complex at Kachiguda, jagat(pallavi) at Saidabad, Asha, Alka, Sudha 35mm at shalibanda, Apsara,Menaka complex at Laldarwaja one by one single theatre screens are closed.

Anand said...

Chitrani theater in Ranigunj, Balaji talkies in Musheerabad, Rahat Mahal became Raja Deluxe in Musheerabad, Sagar Theater on Bank Street, Rajeswari, Manju, and Anjali Theaters in Secunderabad, Sangam Talkies in RTC X Roads, Nartaki in Alwal ...

vishu said...

I was riding through the memory lanes on my Bajaj Super/Crowded City buses while reading this article. Minerva and Paradise are the two theaters in Secunderabad which you missed out. I saw them being demolished in my early college days. Remembering all the fun with friends is stirring my heart all of a sudden.

vishu said...

Heart stirring nostalgia.....Riding down the memory lanes on my(Dad's) Bajaj Super and also the crowded RTC buses to catch up the latest movies in town with friends.

You missed Minerva and Paradise theaters in Secunderabad area whom I witnessed being demolished in my initial college days at Wesley.

Harimohan said...

Thanks Vishu for writing and sharing. I can feel that nostalgia too - it's a sweet ache.

SambaBug said...

Hi Hari,
Nice trip down the memory lane...

If I remember correctly, theatre near Shaam was meera talkies.

Nur Sadiq said...

You are right SambaBug,

Behind Shaam was Meera where I saw Des Pardes (Dev Anand)...golden era of Hyderabad...if one can say the period between 70's and till mid 80's

Zaheer Hussain said...

Meera in Lakdikapul has been renamed Sensation. Kishore in Narayanguda where I saw a few movies has been demolished. Balaji in Musheerabad is closed. Lata at Nampally has been closed. Manju is still open. Sangam at RTC X Roads has been renamed to Sri Mayuri. Subhas in Musheerabad became Usha Mayuri. I watched Saturday Night Fever in Plaza. Sangeet is being rebuilt as a multiplex. There used to be an Embassy theatre right next to Liberty. Another one in Lakdikapul was Amaravati.

Unknown said...

Watching the mackennas gold on the curved screen at farheen was a sheer magic and so also the dolby digital sound effects of matrix at saikishore.Feel sad for the closure of these wonderful theatres.

Unknown said...

Nothing can beat the sheer magic of watching mackennas gold on the curved screen at farheen and the stereophonic sound effects while watching sholay at ramakrishna 70mm. Matrix had amazing dolby digital sound at saikishore.Feel sad for the closure of these wonderful theatres.

Harimohan said...

I agree Aslam. In fact what I most miss of watching movies in Hyderabad was the unique witticisms, the irreverent comments that the public would make. Most times that was more interesting than the movie itself. We cannot recreate that for this generation except perhaps through a movie someone may want to make. The chote samosas, the newness of the big screens, the comfort of the new seats (Hyderabadi theatres are some of the best I have ever been to). Good to hear from you.

Armaan Khan said...

Palace theatre is missed out in the blog. Saw Dev Anand's "Guide" in mid 60s in the original 'Palace'. It stood where MPM mall now stands in the Abids Road opposite to GPO. The original 'Palace' gave way to 'Mini Palace' & a new 'Palace' in late 70s. These were demolished and the MPM Mall (Big Bazar) later came up.

Ahmed said...

You just helped me in helping my dad recall old memories...

Thanks!!

Harimohan said...

Thanks for writing Ahmed. Glad I could be of help to your Dad. Fantastic memories. Some of the best.

Catina said...

What about Alankar talkies , Balaji talkies , Kamal Talkies .

Harimohan said...

Good q Catina. Where are these theatres?

Unknown said...

Dear hari During the last 6 months i have been to some of cinema theatres which i used to frequent during my school and college days and had completely stopped going there after the advent of multiplexes and i was in for a major surprise.Ramakrishna,Tarakarama,Shanti,Tivoli have all acquired 2K projectors and Devi and sudershan now have 4K projector and picture and sound quality is just amazing. Watching movies in these big screen cinema halls sitting in the balcony with booming sound is an all together different experience which cannot be replicated at a multiplex were sometimes you got to sit in the first row right in front of screen and it is a terrible strain to the eyes.Hari i think you should give these theatres a try a write about them in your blog.

Harimohan said...

Thanks Aslam. I will watch movies in the theatres you suggested. And will blog about them too.

Venki U said...

There was also Venkatadri/Padmavati in Kacheguda. Right in front of what was erstwhile Prabhat Talkies. Prabhat reopened with a new name cannot remember it though. There was also Kumar talkies nearby Kachiguda station.

Unknown said...

Guys! Nobody mentioned about a mini theater Embassy/ almost attached to Liberty Theater - near Basheer Bagh. I watched The Great Escape in mid 70's. V. V. Kumar

Sharad said...

Do u know in mahashivratri's @12:00am, 3:00am pictures were been shown.. I saw mythological film acted by darasingh..in royal.. & even @ dilshad where rajkapoor came for bobby 50weeks golden jubliee. I saw that time the movie.. Hathi mere sathi & abhiman at palace abids.ticket rates0.80paisa dress circle..balcony 2.10paisa... Old prabhat talkies at kachiguda. I saw PAPPI. Sunil dutt.

Anonymous said...

enjoyed the comments. I am a movie addict in those days and saw movies at Lata (nampally); Zia, Taj and Noble (Mallepally); Prakash (Mangalghat); Prabhat (Kachiguda); Estate (near Salarjung Museuem); Kalpana (kavidiguda); swami (sanathnagar); Jagat (Saidabad); Amar (Chilkalguda) and many more

Anonymous said...

Zamrud Mahal was also Aircooled or Airconditioned I forget.

Anonymous said...

Gud reading all d memories

sudhir said...

Dilshad theatre was next to Royal theatre in Sultan Bazar. Muqadar Ka Sikandar and Bobby ran for almost one year in this particular theatre. Next to Shaam was Regal.

Anonymous said...

Dear Friends

Good and great memories

Unknown said...

Great nostalgic memories guys! Going through the heart !!
Thanks and best regards to you all !!!

Unknown said...

Dear Hari. Great Good Old Memories, Thanks a Million Tonnes for your information.
Request to share your mail ID please,

Regrads
venkat
9848041385

Harimohan said...

Thanks Venkat. Please do write in to me at harimohanp@gmail.com :)

Anonymous said...

Royal and dilshad theatre were side by side and were located in sultan bazaar opp kanda swamy market and near to hanuman vyaya shala

Unknown said...

There was SagarTheatre opp to NTR's house @ ABIDS. I watched many Telugu movies in it. I enjoyed Jaganmohini & Bhakta Siriyala n more...a lot in it....!

Harimohan said...

If I remember right Jaganmohini played for a long long time in that theatre

Unknown said...

Yes sir! yes! It played for 100 days... I watched 10 times.....

Anonymous said...

Hi all,

I am a old timer Hyderabadi- rather a MULKI born before 1955[AP state formation] living in Marredpally then now have left my pretty old loving place 31 years back. Getting back to theaters- My favorite ones were Tivoli/Dreamland/Plaza [ the only one maybe anywhere with an attached bar] we waited for Friday evenings for new English movies to be released and as a group went for 2nd shows [9.30pm] there used be a separate Q for ladies and we used to use whatever charm we had then to request them buy us a ticket for in the Q we would have to go back home without getting one [ there were Black marketeers & we could not afford them nor entertain them as principle- THOSE WERE THE DAYS special ones were the Morning shows & we would bunk classes to go for them with GF's , only time we could be with them.
Sangeet cinema came in 1970 the first movie there was ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAY'S fell in love with Genevieve Bujold.Bye friends many sweet memories of my twin cities.Cheers !!SJ

Anonymous said...

Estate talkies next to Salar Jung Museum.
Yakut Mahal is still there.
Krishna talkies near Charminar.

Harimohan said...

Thanks Anon. I have never been to these theatres.

Anonymous said...

Bro,
Where is Sri ganesh theatre in kothapet located(it was ruined but I want to know location)

Anonymous said...

Sri Ganesh theatre is Astalakshmi Temple lane.

The Last Window said...

Thanks Hari for taking me back to the golden period when movies was the only source of entertainment for most of us. Hyderabad really had good theaters even then as much as it has now. In the year 1984 I was in intermediate 1st year in St. Mary's which was above Chermas, Abids. Remember having watched literally all movies as I was a huge movie buff (I still am). Have seen mostly in these theaters as it was near the college - Santosh, Sapna, Zamrud, Palace, Royal, Dilshad, Maheshwari, Parmeshwari, Venkatramana, Padmavati, Prabhat (Twin theaters 35 & 70 mm).
My first movie as a college student was 'Jhootha Sacch' starring Dharmendra & Rekha in Prabhat 35mm. Had a melodious song, 'kaisi lag rahi hun main' by R.D. Burman. It was 2.45 noon show. I would never tell my parents. College would start at 12.30 noon and finished by 5.30 evening. It was the best time to go for 2.30 noon matinee show.
'Paataal Bhairavi' was playing in Venkatramana starring Jeetendra & Jaya Prada.
'Jaal' was showing in Padmavati starring Mithun, Rekha and Moon Moon Sen.
'Saagar' & 'Jaanbaaz' in Santosh - These were big scrren 700mm wonders;
Palace & sometimes Zamrud in the mid to late 80's showed old movies. In Palace, have watched Shor, Purab aur Paschim, Bhai ho To Aisa, Humraaz (Sunil Dutt, Raj kumar) and many many more.
Gulzar's ijaazat showed in Zamrud.
I can go on and on....

Harimohan said...

Wow. That's wonderful to hear Khaja. My brother Ram Mohan went to St Mary's at the same time -
could be a year senior perhaps. And yes, we can go on and on. The hand painted posters of those days were so dramatic. Loved those. I remember the Pataal Bhaiaravi - it went on for years did it not? And 'Don' at Vikranti or one of those three theatres. Thanks for writing and please keep adding more.

Unknown said...

Wow..... It's a great memories..
When I was in 8th in st.pauls high school.. every weekend we used to see couple of movies.. in vikrant I saw khoon pasina, yadon ki baarat & in ashok I saw RAMPUR KA LAXMAN, IN NAVRANG I SAW FAKIRA...AND SO ON ... REALLY I THANKS TO HARIOM FOR REFRESHING MY MEMORIES...
I LOVE THOSE GOLDEN ERA... IT WAS SO COOL.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

In the year 1983-84 When I was studying Inter 1st year in Pragati Maha Vidyalaya, Sultan Bazar, I watched many movies in those theaters.....Mr. Moin Sharief jee! Really...that was a golden period n I am glad to know that there are many people who r thinking like me....with the same feelings...sir...whole credit goes to one & only Mr. HARI MOHAN jee !

Unknown said...

I watched many movies in those theaters...Really...that was a golden era bro.... & I too Love that era...! Ya Many Many Thanks to Mr. Harimohan garu.....I am typing this with the tears...of memories....Mr. Sharad Jee!

Unknown said...

Especially Special Thanks For Hari mohan Garu.. For Giving A Platform To REFRESHING The GOLDEN ERA.... Memories. & For All others Freinds For Sharing The Beautiful Memories..

Harimohan said...

Thanks Ram Mohan Panasa. Glad that we could all share our deepest memories and relive some of them. So glad to hear from you. Yes, cinema was a huge influence for us and an even bigger experience.

Harimohan said...

Thank you Sharad Chandra. Do share your memories too.

Unknown said...

Yes. The hand painted posters were a great attraction. Sangam theatre at RTC cross road used to have really huge posters. I remember one particular Telugu film poster which had a huge wave with a small boat thappad in it. The poster covered the entire facade of the theatre.
Plaza theatre screen es not just B grade English movies, but also some top staff. I remember seeing Hatari there when I was a kid, and Saturday Night Fever and Love Story while in college.

Unknown said...

that was Meera Deluxe

Unknown said...

does one remember chitrani?

Hemant Singh said...

How come you forgot Ramakrishna 70 mm.. was it deliberate...ha ha. You also forgot all the charminar x road hall... punishment .. do the article again

Hemant
https://hguy.blogspot.com/

Harimohan said...

This blog was about the ones that disappeared. I think RK 70 mm is still around. Anyway, it's open house Hemant so fill in your views. I am no authority - wrote what I thought I knew. So will happily accept punishment! :)
Glad you joined the party. These comments have become an extension of the article anyway. I guess RK 70 had some good memories for you huh?

shankR said...

there was kishore - i think - in n.gudua; we used to call it Kamini theatre (they played soft porn all the time). i went to watch sirocco at sterling or skyline but they cut out the 'censored' clips (for a week they showed them : ) then about light house: they were showing censored bit and it came to the notice of law and order. the judge decreed that they shd play 'love statue' (that was the porn flick) for 100 days - after removing the clips! the daylights went out of lighthouse; noone wd go there for 'soft' entertainment anymore :(

Unknown said...

Mr Harimohan


I am from Hyderabad
Need to contact u regarding first theatre of Hyderabad

Kindly revert

jainapur1234@gmail.com

Ganga Swamy said...

There are Few Theaters i have to Mention......
1) Usha Mayuri Theater in Golkonda 'X' Roads.....
i Have watched most small budget films in this. Now it became into a car show room.
2) Venkatesha and Srinivasa near Narayanaguda Bridge.... I hvae watched many English movies hear. I still Remember to Watch harry potter series last 3 Movies i have watched Hear only. Present Became Bank office and Commercial Complex.
3) Deepak in Narayanguda...... Now it Closed since 7Years
4) Suresh and Sridevi in Chilkalguda..... Suresh was Totally closed. and Sridevi is Closed for Re modification i think.

Many theaters in Kachiguda was Renamed like.... subhash to Sri mayuri, Prabhath to Usha Mayuri, Manohar Theatre Secbad, Sangeeth, Basanth,
5) Not but the Least Sharada Theater in SaroorNagar..... it played many B grade films till 2018. Present theater got closed present.

Anonymous said...

well written article hari...just wondering which would be the oldest theatre in hyderbad that has stood by the times . Is it Ramakrishna or Tivoli..? what are your thots..?

Anonymous said...

Regal Talkies

Anonymous said...

Hi Friends, Sridevi in chilakalguda is renovated as VLS Sridevi, I heard that one single screen theatre at Rang mahal (near kachiguda) any body knows the info plz update..

Anonymous said...

Hi to all, after a long I have seen some valuable comments are posting by friends, Sridevi in chilakalaguda is renovated as VLS SRIDEVI, any one knows about Rang mahal at Kachiguda??

reddy said...

Theater next to Shaam was 'REGAL', not 'DILSHAD'.

Anonymous said...

NEXT TO DILSHAD WAS ROYAL...I WATCHED SHANKARABHARANAM IN ROYAL....!

Unknown said...

Next to sham was amravati

RAZAK said...

REgal and Royal in Pragati college lane, Koti, Hyd & Dilshad and shaam is in Lakdi-ka-pul

HRP said...

What is the status of padmavathi and venkatramana theatres in kachiguda and rukmini theater in patancheru?Are these theatres permanently closed or under rennovation?

Harimohan said...

Dear HRP, Padmavathi and Venkataramana are still there and operational as far as I know. I don't know about Rukmini theatre in Patancheru though. Thanks for writing in!

HRP said...

Venkatramana and padmavathi theatres in kachiguda have been rennovated by indra cinemas and re-opened today.Padmavathi theater is showing evaru and venkatramana theater is showimg mission mangal(3 shows) and koushalya krishnamurthy(1 show).

Nadeem said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

This is Ravinderreddy what about Shalimar theatre in narayanguda, is jamrud theatre is still showed or not

Harimohan said...

Hi Ravinder, Zamrud is long gone. Shalimar became a function hall if I remember right.

Nakka Jagadeesh said...

Theatre near shyam lakdikapool is Modern

RAZAK said...

Its Regal theatre adjacent to Shyaam cinema

Unknown said...

Dilshad was by the side of Royal near Ramkote. I have further recollection of Shanti, Venkatesa, Srinivasa, Deepak Mahal, in and around YMCA, Narayanguda, prabhat, venkataramana, Tarakarama apart from Basant and Maheswari/Parameswari in Kacheguda. I also remember some old amd remote theatres like Sharada in Saroornagar, Jagat in Saidabad, Lata in Nampally. Kamal in Chaderghat, also Raja in Musheerabad, Subhas, Sangam, Sudarshan theatres in Chikkadpally. Just had fun in rembering and posting.

Samayravi said...

SRavi Prasad
Could you tell me about the shaam theatre, old city , Hyderabad

RAZAK said...

Shaam theatre in Lakdikapul is closed.

RAZAK said...

Shaam theatre in Lakdikapul is closed

Samayravi said...

samayravi
Hi /friends
On my first visit to Hyderabad in 1968 ,I saw 3 movies ,Aadmi @ palace , Shagird @Regal ,and laatsaaheb @prakash theatre .
Is it true , laatsaaheb was played at Prakash they're
If so still existing

Ashok said...

It is wonderful reading all these posts, brings back those nostalgic memories of Theaters in the Greatest City in the world 'Hyderabad'. I covered quite a few of these older theaters before they were taken out.

RTC X-Roads: Sangam, Subhash, Odean, Sudarshan 70
Narayanguda: Venkatesa, Srinivasa, Deepak, Shanti, Kishore
Kachiguda: Venkataramana, Padmavati, Prabhat70/35, Maheshwari/Parameshwari, Shalimar, Kumar, Basanth
Basheerbagh: Skyline, Sterling, Liberty, Lighthouse (Gunfoundry)
Abids/Koti: Royal, Dilshad, Zamrud, Palace (Many Shammi Kapoor re-releases)
Chadarghat: Kamal
M.Market: Ashok, Vikranthi
Lakdi-ka-pool: Amaravathi, Meera, Shyam, Regal
Secunderabad: Manohar, Rajeshwar, Sangeet, Manju, Natraj
Musheerabad: Rahat/Raja, Kalpana
Seethafal Mandi: Suresh, Sridevi
Tarnaka: Aradhana
Mehdipatnam: Amba
Balanagar: Shobhana (and Vimal)
Ameerpet: Vijayaalakshmi, Satyam, Seshmahal

and many more. It's sad to see all these are gone.

Unknown said...

There are few queries in the above comments enquiring about the oldest theatre in Hyderabad. As far my knowledge goes, there was a popular theatre called "PICTURE HOUSE" in mid 1950s located a bit digonally opposite the current "Mahaveer Hospital" in AC Guards.
A Massive fire destroyed this theatre in the early 1960s and the Theatre was closed. Ironically, the bustop adjacent to this erstwhile theatre still went by the name "PICTURE HOUSE" even as late as mid 1980s.

Our World said...

Hari,
you had forgotten "Amar Theater" located at Secunderabad exactly back side of Sridevi Theatre, chilakalaguda.

Ravi said...

Great to recollect the old memories. Had a great time watching movies in the seventies. Ashoka,Navrang and vikranth theaters were showing Hindi movies. Saw Yadonki baarat at vikranth. It ran to packed house for many months. Sangeet was another favourite. Saw many including Top gun.
Sad that many theaters have vanished. It was fun waiting in the long ques for tickets. It was excitement all through.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Hari for bringing out nostalgic memories of our beloved Hyderabad. It's over three decades I left Hyderabad and my longing has always increased. The was a theatre for silent movies at Putlibowli chawrasta. It had turned in to a mechanic shop called Samad Auto Mechanic. I used to take my dad's old 1956 Standard 10 for repairs there. I was told by some oldies that I met there that it used to be a theater for silent movies with a dedicated section for live music. I was told that every time they went to went to watch a movie there, it was always a different experience. If you can dedicate some of your research time for these silent movie theatres that predate the theatres you referred to in your blog, it will make a very interesting read. Thank you once again for your blog, it meant a lot particularly for overseas Hyderabadis.

Harimohan said...

Thank you Anon for adding that fine new perspective about silent movie theatres. I'll check up on that and add some information here. I can imagine the Standard 10, the mechanics, the theatres. Such a lovely atmosphere it was. I'm glad it meant something for you - we all experienced something really beautiful and fun. Thanks for writing and do keep dropping in.

Anonymous said...

Satyam theater Ameerpet has been demolished and a new multiplex will be coming up there.

Unknown said...

The very first movie at shyam theatre on its inauguration was great movie was Anand in 1971. It ran to packed house for many months.And at that time there was talk everywhere though out city about the film.Anand was a tremendous popular and super film.






Harimohan said...

What a lovely tidbit unknown - Anand at Shyam. What an experience it must have been. Followed by dosa and coffee at Hotel Dwaraka to ruminate over the movie.

Google said...

Great Memories of Hyderabad Cinema

Unknown said...

Very nice information Harish.. but the theatre which is near to shaam was 2 theatres one was regal, other one is meera. Now meera, turned as sensation ( as back side of meera built as sensation)
But even now shaam , regal was still there but permanently closed.

DR. SRINIVASAN VENKATESAN said...

Royal talkies in Sultan Bazaar on the edge of Kandaswamy lane and near Hanuman Vyayamshala near Ramokote and Majestic cAFE, WAS THE ONLY fully airconditioned THEATRE WHICH OFFERED CUSHIONED SEATS IN VIOLET COLOR for all classes whether 1,2,3 or 4 rupees only in those days. S.VENKATESAN

DR. SRINIVASAN VENKATESAN said...

There was an EMBASSY THEATRE on the first floor adjacent to LIBERTY theatre NEXT TO Eden Bagh and Basheer Bagh. Not to be missed out by cinema buffs on those years.

Harimohan said...

Thanks Dr Srinivasan, valuable inputs from you. Do share any special memories you had too. It will be great to read about them.

Ranjan Kumar said...

Venkatesha 70MM and Srinivasa 35 MM ,Naryanguda - twin theaters. I watched "African Safari in Srinivasa. Deepak Mahal is another theatre in Narayanguda. I watched Kalpana(telugu) and amaradeepam in Deepak...

Anonymous said...

Guys

You have forgotten " Dreamland theatre opposite to Tivoli near Old Race Course , Secunderbad. I remember watching Taste the blood of Dracula movie during late 60's. The theatre and the movie was spooky...

Anonymous said...

One of the oldest cinema halls in Hyderabad is Yakut Mahal which used to release old movies in late 70s/early 80s - i remember watching Kaalia. The best part was you can sell ticket after the interval for 50 or 60 paisa and can avoid getting caught at home. Then came Suraj theatre in 80s (Namak halaal). Ticket Price was 1.20/2.20/3.30/4.50 in Suraj. Remember watching Naseeb in Asha, and Pyasa Sawan in Krishna....Later on got opportunity to explore theatres in Abids and kachiguda (Shakti in Prabhat, silsila in Maheshwari, Muqadar ka sikandar in Dilshad, Don in Tarakrama)

Anonymous said...

Great post and good memories- thanks for initiating and sharing

Unknown said...

If I am not mistaken the first (70 mm)movie at Ramakrishna 70 mm was “Sound of Music”

Sanjeev Deshmukh said...

Yes, I remember watching Sound of Music at Ramakrishna 70mm. Other great movies there were Midnight Cowboy and Sholay. Purab aur Pachhim was the first movie screened at Shaam. Some movies which ran and ran for long were Sangam at Dilshad, and Lava Kusa at Basant. Another film which ran for a long time was Parasmani at Palace theatre in Abids. I remember watching Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace at Srinivasa in Narayanguda. Skyline screened two memorable disaster movies, The Towering Inferno, and The Poseidon Adventure. Royal also screened the legendary Phir Wohi Dil Laaya Hoon, and the historical Veer Amar Singh Rathod.

Harimohan said...

Thanks Sanjeev. Invaluable recollections and additions to the thread.

Anonymous said...

It was Regal theator beside Sham..in Lakdikaapool

Unknown said...

Plaza played only English movies, like The Ten Commandments, Benhur,Grand Prix, El Cid,Love Story and many more.

Mohammad Shamsuddin said...

Thanks for great old memories. Farheen, shaheen became surya 70mm n 35 mm, shaam, regal, meera, amaravathi are in khairatabad/lakdikapool. Yakut mahal, still exists and thanks for each n every one for making happiness with ild memories

Ram Mohan P said...

Whenever I read the posts in this topic, I can't stop my tears with old memories!

Unknown said...

Guys nobody talked about Shama near Falaknuma which had a candle statue plus most Mithun movies played there.
I remember Nikaah Charano ki saugandh
And Asha talkies at shalibanda Aghapura
To be precise watched Ghulami in 1986

Chaitanya Deshpande said...

Shama at jahanuma mostly played Mithun movies plus Asha at shalibanda saw Ghulami

Chaitanya Deshpande said...

Shama at jahanuma mostly played Mithun movies plus Asha at shalibanda saw Ghulami

Unknown said...

Shama at jahanuma mostly played Mithun movies plus Asha at shalibanda saw Ghulami

GWPF said...

Hey thanks man.... i was not getting that name plaza cinema near nanking.... i saw two movie with my dad there.... one was Zulu and the other was tarzan movie whose name i cant remember... this happened late 70s early 80s... anyways getting the name was itself good

Anonymous said...

Good to go through memory lanes
Was there a Paramount theatre in Secunderabad, nearby Rani Gunj?

Anonymous said...

Paramount theatre later became Alankar Theatre and was demolished in the eighty’s.

Anonymous said...

Noor Mahal at Golnaka,Lata Nampally, missed out

ashwin nallari said...

Namaskar Friends of Hyderabad/Secunderabad Cinema Theatres .
Sharing my memories , Being a Sikandrabadi later explored Hyderabadi Cinemas too Hope you enjoy this list

1. Sangeet -My ultimate Theatre
2. Ajanta
3. Prashant
4. Natraj
5. Manju
6. Minerva
7. Paradise
8. Plaza
9. Dreamland
10. Tivoli
11. Lamba
12. Satya Alwal
13. Nartaki
14. Select Bolarum
15. Laxmikala Alwal
16. Anjali
17. Alankar
18. Chitrani
19. Rajeshwar Monda Market
20. Amar
21. Sridevi
22. Suresh
23. Raja Deluxe
24. Balaji Musheerabad
25. Shubas
26. Sangam
27. Sudarshan
28. Odeon
29. Sandhya
30. Devi 70 mm
31. Venkatesha
32. Srinivasa
33. Deepak
34. Shanti
35. Kumar
36. Venkataramana
37. Padmavathi
38. Basant
39. Kalpana Kavadiguda
40. Prabhaat
41. Tarakrama
42. Maheswari
43. Parmeshwari
44. Royal
45. Regal
46. Dilshad
47. Lighthouse
48. Skyline
49. Sterling
50. Liberty
51. Embassy
52. Surya70/35
53. Farheen
54. Shaheen
55. Amravati
56. Picture House
57. Yakut Mahal
58. Priya
59. Krishna Nagaram
60. Radhika ECIL
61. Rajyalaxmi Uppal
62. Srinivasa Uppal
63. Sriramana
64. Aradhna
65. Ram Lalapet
66. Raghavendra
67. Ramachandra
68. Sairam
69. Manohar
70. Sheeshmahal
71. Sh0bhana
72. Vimal
73. Vijaylaxmi
74. Swamy
75. Gokul
76. Shaam
77. Kamal
78. Tirumala
79. Shalimar
80. Anand
81. Jagat
82. Asha
83. Alka
84. Sudha
85. Shama
86. Amba
87. Apsara
88. Menaka
89. Sagar Abids
90. Meera now Sensation
91. Lata Nampally
92. Palace Abids
93. Ramakrishna
94. Navrang
95. Vikranti
96. Ashok
97. Sharda
98. Satyam
99. Zia
100. Taj
101. Noble
102. Prakash
103. Estate
104. Zammrud
105. Krishna Charminar
106. Sri Ganesh Kothapet
107. Konark
108. Venkatadri
109. Santosh
110. Sapna
111. Pratap Lunger house
112. Galaxy
113. Milan

Your Movie Buff Pal
Ashwin Sikandrabadi
5.4.2023
ashwinnallari@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I watched the movie “ For a few dollars more” in a mini theatre attached to the Liberty theatre in the year 70 or 71. It was a rerun. I was struggling to figure out the name of the theatre for nearly two hours. I tried google to find out information on old theatres of Hyderabad. Through one of the posts, I remembered the name of the theatre, which is EMBASSY.

kakarlapudi sudhakarraju said...

Adjacent to Shaam theatre was Regal talkies. Structure is still there.

NR RAVI said...

Thank you so much for the recollections of sweetest memories of the college days Nr Ravi

Sam said...

I use to watch English movies in lighthouse. 100 Rifles, Hang em High, good bad and ugly and many more. Thanks for sharing this so precious memories.

Irfan said...

When I started watching movies rate for balcony was 7 rupees for premium theatres like Maheshwari, Ramakrishna and Santosh theatres
6 rupees balcony was for theatres like Venkatramana Royal Palace Zamrud Dilshad
5 rupees balcony for theatres like Tirumala and Kamal


Thanks Harimohan for initiating this thread

Anonymous said...

God what an elaborate list!
I do remember my parents talking about most of the theatres (mainly the ones which played English movies like the Sangeet one)
Thanks a lot Hari ji for posting this blog and letting kids of this gen know about the glorious theatres ro have graced Hyderabad and their History alike.

Cjrao said...

I have seen some telugu movies in Anjali theater in Rashtrapati Road Secunderabad.

GV RAO said...

SHALIMAR KINGKOTI AND KISHORE CINIMA, DEEPAK MAHAL NARAYANAGUDA

GV RAO said...

KAMAL WHERE THIS THEATRE WAS SITUATED AT HYD

Sharad said...

Chader ghat

Khader Ashraf said...

The theatre near Shaam talkies was Regal not Dilshad. You mentioned that great information and memories.
there was another twin theatre in Kachiguda area Venkatramna and Padmavati another opposite to this Prabhat 70mm & 35mm simultaneously, many more we lost due to like Shalimar king koti, Lata the old movie lover at Nampally.

Khader Ashraf said...

The theatre near Shaam talkies was Regal not Dilshad. You mentioned that great information and memories.
there was another twin theatre in Kachiguda area Venkatramna and Padmavati another opposite to this Prabhat 70mm & 35mm simultaneously, many more we lost due to like Shalimar king koti, Lata the old movie lover at Nampally.