There have been news of Bengaluru’s iconic Urvashi Theatre being demolished for a long time, and now that has been confirmed, with the demolition set to begin. The landmark single-screen theatre on Lalbagh Main Road, which has been part of Bengaluru’s cinema culture for more than five decades, is now set to become a part of the city’s history.
Opened in 1970 by legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar, Urvashi became a favourite destination for generations of filmgoers. Over the years, the theatre screened more than 5,000 films across several languages, hosting packed first-day-first-show celebrations for films featuring some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Shah Rukh Khan and several Kannada stars.
Urvashi was also known for staying ahead of its time technologically. It was among the first theatres in Bengaluru to introduce 4K digital projection and advanced Meyer Sound technology. When James Cameron’s Avatar released in 2009, the theatre became a major attraction for its 3D screenings, offering audiences a big-screen experience at relatively affordable ticket prices.
With more than 1,150 seats and extensive parking, Urvashi retained its place as one of Bengaluru’s prominent single-screen theatres even after multiplexes began dominating the city’s exhibition landscape. Shivarajkumar’s AK 47, for instance, completed a 100-day run at the theatre.
The reason behind the demolition is a long-running property dispute. The premises had been leased from the original landowners, including Basatti Shetty, and the lease expired in 2018. After nearly eight years of legal proceedings, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the landowners. The property is now being taken back, with the demolition process underway.
The development has also disappointed Yash fans. Urvashi was expected to host a grand release of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, with indications that the film could have opened at the iconic venue.
For Bengaluru’s film lovers, Urvashi’s demolition is not simply the closure of another theatre. It is the end of a single-screen landmark that witnessed generations of stars, films and audiences come together under one roof.