Delhi’s iconic Chanakya cinema, which was demolished in 2007, was reopened on Friday as a multiplex after undergoing a total makeover, The Indian Express reports. The beloved old theater will now wear the modern look of a one-stop shopping and entertainment destination. The new mall will also feature boasting brands such as Tom Ford, Mont Blanc, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Hermes, and a PVR ECX. “Chanakya was an iconic cinema and we have all grown up watching movies here and devouring delights at Nirula’s. We hope people enjoy the movie-watching experience just as they used to,” chairman and managing director of PVR Ltd, Ajay Bijli, said on Friday.
Earlier, Rajeev Talwar, group executive director, DLF, had said the construction of the four-storey mall-cum-multiplex started in January 2013, according to The Times of India.
The revamping project was given to DLF in May 2008, however, the work couldn’t be started at that time. Many agencies raised objections regarding building height and usage of space, as per the TOI report.
According to NDMC officials, agencies like Delhi Fire Service, Airport Authority of India, Delhi Urban Art Commission and Delhi Development Authority gave the clearance late, the report said.
The shutting down of cinema has also affected the surrounding shops at that time. “Since the cinema shut, our only customers are people who work here. We are hoping that the mall will bring back footfall,” said Ram Shukla, who runs a kiosk was quoted as saying by IE.