First Cinema Theater in Tamilnadu

A number of films acted by MGR such as his first film Sathileelavathi, then Jenova, Marutha Nattu Ilavarasi, Kalai arasi, Kalangarai Vilakkam, Anandajothi and others were released in our theater. MGR, used to sneak into the theater without the knowledge of anyone and used to see the films with his fans. MGR and Janakiamma had attended all the special occasions in our family. He was in the forefront in the celebrations of all our family marriages and handed over the holy thread (thali) to all of during our marriages. In fact we all had followed it as a tradition in our family.

In the same way Sivaji Ganesan was very affectionate towards our family. We always used to receive special biriyani from his house and we shared some of the best preparations from our house with his house.

In the year 1936, Mahatma Gandhi, who was going all over India collecting donations for Harajans benefit fund came to Tamil Nadu. A public meeting was held at our theater. During the meeting a number of people had offered money and jewels for the fund. While addressing the gathering he sat on a wooden chair and till today we preserve the chair as our most revered possession. Other national leaders such as Nehru, Nethaji, Rajaji, Kamraj and others were also talked at our theater during the independence struggle. My grandfather had participated in the UPPU SATHYAGARAHAM struggle organized by Gandhi at Vedaranyam and underwent jail sentence.

This first ever cinema theater of Tamil Nadu, which is located in the heart of the city at Seven Wells, in St.Xavier street close to mint, enjoys the historic importance on two counts. Firstly it was the first ever theater to be constructed exclusively to stage drama and to screen cinema in Tamil Nadu. Scondly it is the only theater in Tamil Nadu that gave its space for meetings during the Indian freedom struggle. We must feel proud about the theater, when, the Indian cinema celebrates its 100th year of existence.