Save Chanakya Cinema

Chanakya Cinema, which started on December 17, 1970, premiering Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker and finally the curtain fell with Welcome and Tare Zameen Par on December 27, 2007.

Chanakya Cinema, which started on December 17, 1970, premiering Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker and finally the curtain fell with Welcome and Tare Zameen Par on December 27, 2007. Since the 70s, the cinema has been famous for the countless Hollywood and art house movies it has screened. It was one of the highest occupied single-screen cinemas of the country. Almost all corporates all over the country have targeted the venue as a platform to highlight their own brand and products.
The shutting down of the historic Chanakya Cinema in Delhi marks the end of an era. After winning the legal battle in court, the New Delhi Municipal Council is now finalising its plans to convert the popular Chanakya cinema complex in the posh Diplomatic Enclave area into a commercial-cum-multiplex project, ensuring that it generates a good amount of revenue for the civic body.

Why should Chanakya be saved?
The design of Chanakya cinema was selected after a national competition and was built by a team of architect headed by eminent architect P.N. Mathur who passed away recently. Constructed purely in RCC the theater has a fine structural form and is an architectural example of the post Corbusier Modernist period. With its longest spanning RCC roof, it was one of its kinds in Asia. The structural design has been a monument in itself for students of architecture.
It was picked up along with other significant architectural buildings of contemporary India as a part of exhibition in “festival of India France” held on 27th November 1985. It is truly a part of architechtural history of modern India.
It was a part of Delhiite’s life and growing up till the advent of modern multiplexes and shopping malls. There are many other ways for the NDMC to make revenue without demolishing the structure.

What can be done?
A group of architects, conservationists, young men & women have come together to fight for the cause of saving Chanakya and are called People for Chanakya. Many efforts are being done to create public opinion and involvement. One of the things is the website, www.savechanakya.com. It reflects the voice of the common man along with the experts on architecture and structural design.
On the 30th January, 2008 the group along with well-wishers and concerned citizens is planning a candlelight march at Chanakya cinema to create awareness about their cause and also ask like-minded and concerned citizens to join hands to strengthen the struggle. On the day which is known as the day when Mahatma Gandhi achieved martyrdom, the group plans to indulge in some ‘Gandhigiri’ and appeal to the NDMC and Government.
This is an appeal to each one of you to reach there in large numbers to show solidarity in saving a monument which has been more than just concrete and glass – a living heritage, a part of our life and many memorable moments.

30th January, 2008, Time: 6:00 pm; Venue: Chanakya Cinema, Yeshwant Place, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi