NFDC’s first-ever theatre in the country offers the best in sound and picture

State-of-the-art movie-viewing in town has a new address. This time, in addition to hi-fi technology inside the hall, the ambience outside the hall too packs a punch.

The Government Music and Fine Arts University sits on a sylvan landscape in R.A. Puram, on the banks of Adyar river. And that’s where the city’s new theatre has also come up.

A National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) project, Tagore Film Centre is still squeaky new, having just opened its doors to an audience.

“This is the first theatre the NFDC has set up in the country. It is part of our venture to create alternative distribution platforms for films,” says D. Ramakrishnan, deputy general manager, NFDC.

Similar projects are under way in Delhi and Mumbai too, he says. “Our aim is to provide an international experience — nothing but the best in sound and picture. It will also be a venue for other arts, a showcase for talent, he says.

The centrepiece of the facility is a 100-seater theatre hall with Qube picture, 3D settings and Dolby Atmos. “We have spared no effort, time or money in doing this place up. We have the latest technology here,” says J. Lakshminarayanan, deputy manager.

The land was provided by the State government on lease and the structure was built by NFDC, with project management by the civil engineering wing of BSNL. That way, it is a product of collaboration between the State and Central governments.

“A lot of thought has gone into this, and not just technology-wise. When we go completely live, we’ll have a ramp for wheelchair users and a separate toilet for the disabled. In fact, we took extreme care with the planning, as each element here is key,” says Mr. Ramakrishnan.

The idea is also to allow exhibition of paintings/frames in the well-laid out corridors. There is also a small stage to hold events and meetings, and just step outside to feel a part of nature, what with the lawns, the spacious grounds, for both parking, as well as performance.

The students of the college have easy access to the theatre and are excited by the possibilities.

“It is very classy,” chimes in actor Y.G. Mahendran. After attending a preview at the venue recently, he finds the sound and picture are excellent, and the theatre itself, very spacious for a preview location.

“The moment you step in, you get the feeling you are in a cinema hall in the U.S. It’s that good. I only wish a similar auditorium is set up for us drama artistes!”