May 02, 2003 09:15 PM
6753 Views
(Updated May 03, 2003 07:18 PM)
Converting old theatres into multiplexes based on the blueprint Xeroxed form other successful ventures seems to be the order of the day in Mumbai. Either we have multiplexes with about 5 auditoriums or single screen theatres with the ever enticing shopping malls. First there was “Fame Adlabs” at Lokhandwala, then “Globus” next to its namesake shopping mall (this one actually looks like a spare godown of the mall) and now there’s “Movietime Suburbia” on SV Road, Bandra.
First Impression
The architect who designed this complex ought to be given the wooden spoon for designing one of the more “aesthetic” theatres in the city. The theatre itself cannot be seen from the road even if you stand in front of it. What greets you instead is some non-descript Real Estate commercial outlet or some such thing. When I first went here to watch LOTR, I stood in front of the building (which was pointed out to me by a friendly Paanwalah nearby) searching for the theatre. It was only on the top of the building that a neon signboard proclaims, almost coyly, “Movietime Suburbia”.
Finally I managed to trace the entrance to the theatre (it was tucked away on one side of the building). The Ticket Counter looks more like a remodeled PCO booth and has two perpendicular counters. The gap between the counter and the flight of stairs that leads to it is so less that not more than 5 people can stand comfortably without spilling out into the side alley. The tickets are priced at Rs. 100 (for the normal shows) and there are limited editions of “Cozy Couple” tickets priced at Rs. 200 each for lovey-dovey couples who can’t find any place at either The Bandra Bandstand or at Marine Drive to spend some “quality time” together.
Where’s the Auditorium?
Having bought the ticket (I was alone), I gazed around the 4 walls and 2 opposite flights of stairs to locate the auditorium. A shabbily written note pointed out that the audotorium was on the third floor. Thankfully there were 2 lifts and one young man dressed in some kind of uniform that usually adorn the watchmen in Mumbai. The fancy Elevators are of Kone (I guess) and cannot hold more than 6 people at a time.
Though this is a welcome development that Mumbai is gradually trying to move out from its normal practice of cramming too many people in enclosures (like the local trains), its not recommended for a theatre. For one thing, one of the two lifts was not working when I went there for the first time and I had to wait for it to take a batch of people up and come down again, the whole exercise taking about 2 minutes or so.
When I went there the second time to watch “Hari Puttar Aur Rahasyamay Taikhana”, I faced the same problem. I was 10 minutes late for the show and the lift had already begun its upward journey. Much the wiser to wait for it to come down, I started chasing it by taking the stairs and believe it or not, I actually reached the third floor a good 5 seconds before the lift did (despite my creaking joints and a 34 inch girth).
Once there, the area is so small that it not only houses the auditorium but also a popcorn stand and a snacks table. The whole thing is so poorly planned that it would be a nauseating experience for people to wait outside the auditorium before being let in. On my first visit, the theatre was almost empty with just about a hundred spectators or so. The area outside is so small it would be extremely difficult for more than 30-40 people to stand at a time.
The Interiors
Being a new theatre, there were no unearthly smells and the hall looked quite spick and span. The seats are push-back and have cup holders moulded into them on both the armrests. The auditorium has a seating capacity of about 200-250 people (which itself is a wonder considering the small ticket counter, a smaller lift and an even smaller waiting area).
The interior deco is quite simple with no great designs and other “attachments” on the walls. The paths leading to the various rows are well lit and marked. The ushers do a decent job of leading the people to their respective seats which is unlike most other theatres I’ve seen in Mumbai where they often ask you to get up and make way for a family in the middle of the show inspite of having the right ticket.
The seats are extremely mobile and move back and forth. First appearances are deceptive, they say and not without good reason. The space between 2 rows is so less that not only is it difficult to stretch ones legs comfortably but, if someone wants to go further ahead into the row, they invariably end up stepping on the toes of those sitting. While the seats are comfortable for the first 30 minutes or so, its sheer torture after that. While watching “LOTR” as wel as “Hari Puttar..”, both movies spanning well over 2 and a half hours, my poor “Gluteus Maximus” actually began aching so badly that I was shifting into all kinds of positions to give them some relief. Each row has only one way to enter or exit it which means that if you are sitting right next to the aisle, better be prepared to move back and forth about 20 times to let others go in and take their seats.
Other Aspects
The sound system (must have been Dolby) is pretty ok with no undue fluctuations in the sound through the duration of the movie. The screen is placed decently far away and makes viewing the movies, easy for the eyes. The snacks corner is located on a raised level outside the auditorium and one veggie sandwich costs Rs. 20 and a chick sandwich costs Rs. 30 (isn’t that criminal?). Other items like “Paani”, “Thanda” and other condiments are all available, though at suitably inflated prices. The restrooms are bunker-like and are placed at a lower level than the main landing area. Thankfully, they are well maintained and don’t emit any discretionary odours. I haven’t touched on the parking area because I never had an opportunity to consciously observe it.
Thus Spake TiC
Everything, right from the ticket counter to the auditorium seats has been shabbily planned and executed. If you are planning to take your family out, there are better options nearby (the G7 complex is anyday better). It’s simply not worth shelling out Rs. 100 per ticket not to mention the exhorbitant prices of the snacks. Better still, stay back at home and catch some nice movies on Star Movies or HBO.
The only plus point is that getting tickets even for major block busters is never a problem here. However big the movie, rest assured that you can get the tickets the next day after release in the current booking counter.
