CHENNAI: By this year end, you may find yourself walking into one of the now unused buildings in the city’s neighbourhood to watch a movie . Chennai corporation officials have identified land and buildings in several neighbourhoods to set up air-conditioned Amma theatres which will offer tickets at less than Rs 25.

With a target to have one Amma theatre in each of the 15 zones in the first phase, the civic body is looking to convert some of its old unused buildings including community halls. Nungambakkam, Ramapuram, Mint, Anna Nagar, Harbour, Maduravoyal and Perungudi will be among the first neighbourhoods to get Amma theatres by this December.

After Mayor Saidai S Duraisamy made the announcement in the corporation budget for 2014-15, officials have been identifying land and buildings for the theatres. “We are studying the space and location in each zone. Tenders would soon be issued to set up the theatres.” He said only ‘U’ certified Tamil movies would be screened in these theatres. “The theatres will be air-conditioned, will have advanced sound systems and show the latest movies. It will provide entertainment for residents at an affordable cost,” the official said.

“Land for the theatres in outlying areas is not a problem. But it is difficult to get space in the city. But we are in the process of finalizing unused space in the city,” the official said.

But not everyone is enthused by the move. R Panneerselvam, general secretary of Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors' Association , said there is a huge decline of audience in theatres because of pirated CDs and satellite TV. “The number of theatres in Tamil Nadu has reduced from 2,600 in 1984 to 1,160 now. Last week, three theatres closed down in the state. Multiplexes in the shopping malls are surviving by selling food products at high rates,” he said.

Kollywood movie buffs, especially students, have welcomed the move. “I am excited about these Amma theatres. Where else can I watch movies for less than Rs 25 in an air-conditioned cinema hall? But I hope they should also maintain it well. Since the tickets come at a subsidized rate, miscreants and drunkards may find a haven here,” said Arun Kumar, a fan of actor Vijay.

Some residents are skeptical about the civic body’s move. “I am not sure if the government has its priorities right,” said V Prakash, a resident of Kodambakkam. “The civic body should concentrate on good roads, public toilets and other basic amenities which would help all strata of people.”

The corporation official said Amma theatres would offer more than entertainment. “Recently, the civic body screened the biopic of mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan for 5,000 students of corporation schools in private theatres. “Such inspiring movies would be screened for students in Amma theatres,” the official said.

