Udhayam Theatre bids adieu to audiences with Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan

Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan will be the last film to be screened at Chennai's popular Udhayam theatre. The theatre was opened in 1983 and has ever since been both a landmark and a hub for moviegoers. Vettaiyan hits screens on Thursday and stars Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and many others in supporting roles.

Udhayam theatre has four screens, namely, Udhayam, Chandran, Suriyan, and Mini Udhayam. From the '80s up to the 2010s, it was particularly seen as a fortress for big stars during the release dates of their films. The theatre held strong during the rise of multiplex and mall viewings, providing an affordable option for viewers. In recent years, it has witnessed its surroundings change—particularly with the construction of a Metro station opposite to it—but has itself stayed relatively unchanged with respect to its offerings. Spread across 1.3 acres of land, the complex has a combined seating capacity of 750 people.

“At Udhayam, the screen gives away a massive feel watching a movie on such a big screen. Till now, I have not seen such a big screen in any other theatre. Watching movies there gives us a vibe as everybody gathers around to celebrate the victories and failures of the actor as if it is happening live,” says Nandhini S, a student.

Reminiscing about their first visit to the cineplex, a Kancheepuram-based couple, Karthik and Pooja, say, “We came here for our first anniversary, and now it has been a tradition to visit the place. Though we have grown as a couple, this place has been the same for the last seven years, standing by their morals and protocols even after the reopening of theatres after the pandemic. The long lines in front of the ticket counter, the security guard wishing us a good day, the staff helping us with directions, and the buttery popcorn—they are all the same. This place will be missed.”

"When I was a kid, I used to pester my father to take me to theatres. We belonged to the lower-middle category then, and he used to take me to Udhayam as it was budget-friendly. I guess my father would miss the place more than me," opines Monika Dinesh Kumar, a content writer.

Visiting the multiplex recently, Revathy shares, “After the credits rolled, we left with smiles on our faces, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments shared. Little did we know that it would be one of the last days at Udhayam, making it even more special in our memories.”

It has been reported that the real estate development company Casagrand will build a luxury residential complex on the premises. Situated right beside the Ashok Pillar junction in Ashok Nagar, Udhayam is a prominent landmark in the city.