The iconic theatre wears a deserted look. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Paradise Cinema in Mumbai's Mahim stops operations, with owners saying they will soon decide on future course of action
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 27, 2024)

Traffic snarls, Sitladevi Mandir and Paradise cinema—these three have long been the mainstay of Mahim’s Lady Jamshedji Road. But in the past three weeks, the theatre, among the oldest in Mumbai, wears a different look. The posters have been pulled down, gates locked and a deserted air has filled the space that used to be bustling with the latest releases and ardent fans. 

Buzz suggests that plans to tear the property down and turn it into a multiplex are afoot. This has sparked buzz among cinephiles and heritage enthusiasts, as Paradise Cinema—currently owned by the Dubash family—has been a landmark since its establishment in 1939-1940.

When we visited the cinema on Monday morning, one of the security guards told us that the last film to see heavy footfall was Fighter in January. While the single-screen theatre stopped playing films before June, the operations completely stopped in early August. “We stopped playing films before Munjya and Kalki 2898 AD released,” he said.

When we contacted Niloufer Dubash, she confirmed that the cinema has shut operations for now. “We have closed because there was no good stock of movies.” Chatter suggests that the property will be turned into a swanky multiplex, while some residents have also heard buzz about it being converted into a parking lot.

Dubash laughed at the rumours, stating, “We are looking at a change, but what [that may be] is something we, ourselves, are uncertain of at this point of time. I’m not saying neither is true. It’s all rumours till we take a call on this.” 

Paradise Cinema’s shutdown signals a change in Mumbai that has been home to it for over 80 years. It was originally built by Sorabji Bhathena, and later acquired by the Dubash brothers, Shavaksha and Bapuji. With the Dubash family’s love for cinema and keen eye for business, it became a landmark theatre in the following years.

Though the cinema was temporarily closed in the aughts, it was reopened during the release of Golmaal Returns in 2008. It was at the same time that they collaborated with E-Square Cinemas and rechristened it Paradise E-Square.
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Bella Jaisinghani (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 28, 2024)

Mumbai: Mahim’s iconic Paradise Cinema has closed its doors. The financial unviability of small, single screen theatres has claimed this hall which was a shining star on the movie firmament for approximately 80 years.

It is reported that the property may be redeveloped to accommodate a multiplex cinema, commercial outlets or a parking lot, though owner Niloufer Dubash did not confirm or deny this, saying she was yet to firm up her plans. Dubash had earlier cited the lack of good film content as a reason for Paradise's closure.

Paradise was constructed by Sorabji Bhathena around 1940. Years later it passed into the hands of the Dubash Brothers who forged a tie-up with E-Square Cinemas to develop the present-day Paradise ESquare Cinema, as it is called.

Filmmakers and distributors are not known to favour single screens. Moreover, lack of audience patronage, low ticket rates, meagre parking space and high outgoings, including power tariffs, have forced hundreds of single-screen cinema halls across the state to close. The govt does not provide support or tax relief either, say theatre owners' associations. Film lovers on the other hand cherish the single screen option for affordability.

Paradise was frequented by thousands of filmgoers in its heyday. Amitabh Bachchan's movies drew large crowds. During 'Paa', people did not leave their seats even during the interval as they soaked in his unusual performance, Dubash had earlier said.

Elaborating on the problems faced by single-screen theatres, the owner of one said air-conditioning costs, staff salaries, taxes and overheads run into crores of rupees when his annual income is not even Rs 5 lakh. Moreover, the state govt has imposed the condition that all theatres must screen 44 shows of Marathi movies per year within Mumbai limits, and 112 shows in the rest of the state. Should they fail, their annual licence is not renewed. But there is no viewership for these films, he said.

Reviews of Paradise in recent years also show viewers appreciating its low ticket rates that averaged Rs 100, relatively affordable samosa (Rs 70), popcorn (Rs 100) and tea-coffee (Rs 50). But many patrons said the seats seemed too compact and uncomfortable. They labelled its picture screen, acoustics, hygiene and parking facilities as average. Now it’s requiem for the cinematic landmark.