Juhu’s iconic Chandan Cinema, which opened 50 years ago with the premiere of Raj Kapoor’s Bobby, is now being reduced to rubble. The demolition of this once-beloved single-screen theatre has been initiated to pave the way for a new mall, marking the end of an era for Mumbai’s cinema culture.
The theatre, established in 1974 by businessman Baijanath Joshi and named after his wife Chandrakanta, was once a popular destination for generations of moviegoers. During its heyday, the cinema served as a hub of entertainment at a time when the city had just one other multiplex, G7 in Bandra. Chandan’s closure in March 2017 was attributed to its deteriorating condition, and since then, it has remained shuttered. Fond memories of this landmark include rare glimpses of Bollywood celebrities, who were often seen attending screenings there.
Demolition work at the site began two weeks ago, according to workers at the location. It has been confirmed by sources that a retail space is planned for the site, although details remain unclear. Earlier proposals for a boutique office complex and multiplex were dropped, likely due to the presence of an existing five-screen cinema nearby. Final approval for the new project is still awaited from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Following the cessation of screenings in 2019, the Joshi family, led by Baijanath Joshi’s son Sameer, submitted redevelopment proposals to the authorities. Development rights were secured by the Wadhwa Group, which had planned to build an 11-storey structure over 50 meters in height. However, the property’s location near a military radio transmission station in Juhu required clearance from the Ministry of Defence. The original plan was rejected as it violated regulations under the Works of Defence Act, 1976.
Revised plans reduced the building’s height to 15 meters, but even these were not approved. In 2021, the matter was taken to the Bombay High Court, where a favorable ruling was obtained in October 2023. The court not only permitted the redevelopment but also mandated the structure’s demolition due to safety concerns. The Wadhwa Group, while declining to comment on the project’s specifics, had earlier issued a public notice confirming its development rights over the 3,639.40-square-meter property. The notice warned against entering into any agreements involving the site, citing breaches of the Development Agreement by the owner.
As Chandan Cinema is brought down, an irreplaceable piece of Mumbai’s cinematic history is being lost. While the site will soon transform into a modern commercial space, the memories of its golden days will continue to resonate with those who once flocked to its screenings.
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