After Kalabhavan theatre in a new avatar, the renovated Kairali-Nila-Sree theatre complex got unveiled before the public on Friday. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the theatre complex in a function held at Kairali theatre.Minister for Cinema K B Ganesh Kumar, who presided over the function, said that ramps would be constructed in the theatre complex to facilitate the differently-abled to come in wheelchair and watch movies. He promised that they would have to pay only 25 per cent of the actual ticket rate. On the occasion, Ganesh Kumar also announced that in six months, Chitranjali studio in Thiruvananthapuram would also be turned to an active place for film shootings.
Mayor K Chandrika delivered the keynote address. Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) chairman Sabu Cherian, KSFDC vice-chairman Edavela Babu, KSFDC Managing Director Deepa D Nair, actor Mohanlal, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Priyadarshan and councillors Johnson Joseph and R Harikumar were also present.
The Kairali-Sree theatres were initially inaugurated in January 1988. An amount of Rs 3 crore has been spent towards renovating the theatre complex now, funded by the state government and Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) together. The four-month renovation process was completed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
After renovation, the balcony of the previous Kairali theatre turned into Nila with a seating capacity of 260, while Kairali’s balcony had 296 seats. The old Kairali’s front rows gave way to the new Kairali theatre with 442 seats, while before bifurcation there were 631 seats. The number of seats in Sree theatre came down to 314 post renovation, from 393. Facilities including 2K projection, silver screen and push back seats have been arranged in the theatres.
The complex will get a state-of-the-art food court soon. Screening of films in IFFK will commence at Kairali and Sree theatres from Saturday onwards and at Nila from Sunday.