Mumbai Cinema Closes: A Century of Films Lost

Mumbai's Alexandra Cinema, a landmark since its 1921 founding, is slated for demolition to be replaced by a residential complex. This single-screen theatre, which once hosted Sunday Hollywood classics, saw its popularity wane, eventually becoming an Islamic study and prayer center after its final film screening in 2007.

The decline of such traditional theatres is a stark reality in Mumbai. As of June 2026, only 45-50 single-screen halls remain operational within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with approximately 125 having ceased operations.

Owners attribute this closure wave to detrimental government policies, including high taxes, costly electricity, and complex licensing procedures. They contrast this with tax holidays offered to corporate-owned multiplexes.

Film critics and former patrons lament the loss of the unique atmosphere and collective audience experience found in single-screen theatres, which cannot be replicated in modern multiplexes.

Recent redevelopment efforts, like that of Eros Cinema, demonstrate the potential for adaptive reuse of iconic buildings, but these capital-intensive projects are often beyond the reach of single-screen theatre owners in less prime locations.

While some heritage structures are being renovated with modern amenities, the financial strain of high operating costs and the need for upgrades remain significant challenges for independent theatre owners.