Historic Sudarshan 70 MM fades into history, AMB classic multiplex with 7 screens likely to replace it

HYDERABAD: The iconic Sudarshan 70MM theatre located in RTC X Roads in Hyderabad is set to be replaced, mostly by AMB Classic multiplex. This transition marks the end of an era for Sudarshan Theatre, which has been a cornerstone of screening for Tollywood film industry for decades.

AMB Classic, a joint venture between Asian Cinemas and superstar Mahesh Babu, plans to replace the historic single-screen theatre with a modern seven-screen. Sudarshan Theatre 77 MM was shut down and demolished in 2010.

While Sudarshan 70MM has screened numerous popular movies and box office hits over the years, its closure signifies a shift towards contemporary cinema exhibition models. However, nearby theatres like Devi 70 MM and Sudarshan 35 MM will continue to serve audience alongside the new multiplex.

In addition to the replacement of Sudarshan 70MM, the city is also anticipating the arrival of Hyderabad's first original IMAX theatre at ART Cinemas in Dilsukhnagar.

An official contract between the venture, led by Ravi Teja and Sunil Narang, and IMAX Corporation will be inked this week. Hyderabad will host India's third original IMAX screen, following those in Bangalore and Mumbai.

Historic Sudarshan theatre founded in 1970 generated record breaking share for Gangleader, Samarasimha Reddy, Mutyala Muggu, Devadasu

Sudarshan 70 MM A/C at RTC X roads, Chikkadapalli, Hyderabad, is one of the oldest theaters in the region.The theater was inaugurated on August 15, 1970 by T. Narsimhulu. Sudarshan Theater, the first theater of the complex, debuted with the screening of the Bollywood Hindi film Sawan Bhadon, which ran for a remarkable 100 days.

Renovations in 2002 modernised the theater, including the addition of luxurious couple seats, albeit with a reduction in overall capacity from 1,375 to 1,065 seats to provide more comfort to the audience. The Sudarshan 70 MM A/C is serviced by RGA sound engineers renowned for their expertise and features a prestigious Dolby Digital Surround Ex sound system that guarantees an exceptional sound experience. It also boasts a unique Xenon Lab projection system that further enhanced its appeal as a premier cinema venue in Hyderabad.

Popular movies like Gharshana, Anji, and Evadigola Vadidi have all surpassed expectations in Sudarshan 70 MM A/C, securing Rs 40 lakhs and Rs 30 lakhs share respectively. The theatre is also a popular venue for Nandamuri Balakrishna's films, especially for the successful 175-day run of his landmark faction film Samarasimha Reddy.

Legendary films like Gang Leader by megastar Chiranjeevi, Pasivadi Pranam, Mande Gundelu by superstar Krishna, Mayadari Malligadu and the Bapu classic Mutyala Muggu created records as they were screened for 50 consecutive days.

Silver Jubilee movies screened at Sudarshan 70 MM

• Mutyala Muggu
• Pandanti Kapuram
• Bobbili Raja
• Samara Simha Reddy
• Kanchi Kamakshi
• Aadi Sankaracharya

List of superhit movies screened at Sudarshan 70 MM for 100 days

• Hitler
• Bommarillu
• Srinivasa Kalyanam
• Aaradhana
• Aithe
• Evadi Gola Vaadidee
• Pasivadi Praanam
• Rowdy Alludu
• Bangaru Babu
• Bangaru Bommalu
• Gang Leader
• Allari Mogudu
• Major Chandrakanth
• Kondaveeti Raja
• Yamudiki Mogudu
• Anji
• Gentleman
• Devadasu (repeat run -150 days)
• Collector Janaki
• Gharshana
• Mayadari Malligadu
• Mande Gundelu
• Amaradeepam
• Agni Parvatham
• Maaya Maschindra
• Devudu Chesina Manushulu
• Annadammula Anubandham

Once the plans of AMB Cinemas materialise, the great landmark in Hyderabad, Sudarshan 70 MM, will fade into the pages of history of Tollywood cinema.