Multiplexes in Chandigarh

The single-screen cinemas are gradually giving way to multiplexes.  I remember visiting the Sector 17 shopping complex in 1967. The sprawling wide spaces were awe inspiring. The original SCOs of Sector 17 market were in place. Neelam and Jagat cinema were newly built, and helpful gatekeeper helped our family see the interiors as he let us peep through its plush interiors. For Ambala-bred family, the red carpeted grand stairs, and grandiose chandeliers, with 70mm screens were enough to make our decision to make our home in this city.

And when in 1969 we shifted to this new capital city of Punjab, it was a cultural transition, Kiran was the place to enjoy hitherto unknown Hollywood movies on Sunday morning, which later shifted to the round-domed KC theatre when it got ready.   
However, these single-screens also lived their life-spans as we discovered multiplex in Delhi.  

However, Kiran Theatre  that stands on 1800 sqyd plot in another popular and busy shopping area of Sector 22, was the first one to be built in 1953, the lone reminder of the city's heritage (amongst the cinema houses at least).  The Administration has rightfully denied it the permission to be converted into a multiplex though the new design claims to retain its original facade, many others are shedding their old garb to grab the dwindling cine-lovers into small multi-screen outfits. 

Jagat Theatre has already converted into one but has failed to meet various criteria to become operational. Neelam in the main market of Sector 17 has turned into an eyesore with management handing over even its entry gates to the small-time hawkers who sell samosas, tikkis, and pakoras. 

Batra is a non-entity with some calling it a bhoot-bangla considering its large structure and dimly lighted dusty interiors, with Nirman in Sector 32 not lagging behind. 

The unique architecture of KC theatre has however was razed long time back and it has yet to emerge from the ashes, while Piccadily has quickly transformed itself into a new-age multiplex.  

For the growing young crowd, cinema remains one of the preferred destination for those seeking three-hours of quite dark places, yet a few connoisseurs of good cinema won't mind a comfortable cushioned interiors of multi-screen outfits.  

For the cine-hoppers, here are your entertainment destinations : 

• D T Cinema, IT Park, Chandigarh, Ph: 0172-5003004
• Jagat Theatre, Sector 17-E, Chandigarh Ph: 0172-2702282 
• Kiran Cinema, Sector 22-D, Chandigarh Ph: 0172-2705082
• Nirman Theatre, Sector 32-D, Chandigarh
• PVR Multiplex, Centra Mall, Industrial Area, Phase 1, Chandigarh
• Batra Theatre, Sector 37, Chandigarh Ph: 0172-2724100
• Fun Republic, Dhillon Complex, Mani Majra, 0172-5050153
• Piccadily Cinema, Sector 34-A, Chandigarh Ph: 0172-2602000

What's so great about Chandigarh?

In order to promote Chandigarh as a real tourist destination, it needs to create its niche in some select sectors with appropriate facilitating infrastructure and communication system. 

More than anything else, a singular strength of this city is its unique architectural beauty.  The city had been the seat of one of Le Corbusier's landmark creation ... a complete city from nowhere.  Just an aerial survey (with no facilities of Google Earth/Maps or GPS), and the decision was made by the visionary like the late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to find a new capital city for Punjab. 

Right from the conception of open hand, the Capitol complex and numerous other architectural masterpieces that dot the city, it should be a tourist delight.  Recently famous Italian architect Marco Carrano on his visit to the city to be a part of Le Corbusier's 125th birth anniversary, minced no words to announce that  "Chandigarh should be made the centre of international architecture." 

The first and foremost responsibility exists for all stakeholders associated with the city including the Chandigarh Administration, architecture department, the Architecture College, the entire community of architects and prominent citizens, to create a master plan to promote the city as a destination for tourists.  

• Have a guided tour plan created with appropriate promotional literature, website/blog, social media network, with supportive video clips, documentaries, etc. 
• Train a set of architecture students to be official guides for the visitors who are interested in exploring the city's architecture. 
• Create a visitors' impressions diary for record purposes. 
• Beautify the Le Corbusier's centre in Sector 19 on Madhya Marg, with detailed descriptions inside the rooms. 
• An architectural walk-through for the people to virtually explore the city.
• Work for getting World Heritage Sites status for the city/sites
• Restore the damaged artifacts/furniture etc, for the posterity with complete technical documentation. 

Air Taxi to Amritsar from Chandigarh

A low-airfare flight to Amritsar has begun from Chandigarh. Air Mantra has deployed 18-seater Beechcraft for air taxi service to Amritsar and back.
The service was started on July 23 with two flights either way in the morning and evening.
The ticket costs approximately Rs.2,000 with all taxes etc, and can be booked online on www.airmantra.com.
Chandigarh is now well connected with 18 flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Srinagar, Jammu, Jaipur, and Indore.

Green City: New Parks in the Offing

Chandigarh is the city of greenery, and the only city in the country with nearly 39 percent of its geographical area under green cover.
The 'city beautiful' is also referred to as the 'city of gardens', will have many more theme-based gardens to further enhance its beauty.

A view of the Leisure Valley garden. Photo courtesy walkthroughindia.com

A Japanese style garden in Sector 31 is coming up complete with towers, lanterns, tea house, pagoda huts, water features, meandering pathways, that are typical of the Japanese gardens. This is expected to be another major attraction for the tourists.
Garden of Palms, Garden of Conifers, Cactus Garden are some of the other theme gardens in the offing.
It is time that the Chandigarh Administration lets the world know about these beauty spots in the city to the world through more proactive communication campaigns to reach the travellers.