JOIN USThis theatre is disabled-friendly
Much before the law made it mandatory to construct ramps to aid physically challenged, Sangam talkies boasted of a ramp to enable both normal and abnormal people. It was also first AC set up, writes Sreekantswamy B
For Ramananda Narayanrao Mandre, a popular film distributor of yore especially for bollywood flicks, exhibition industry was nothing new.
However, when he thought of foraying into the realm, he began from Bangalore with the opening of Sangam talkies (which was later demolished to build a shopping complex).
It didn’t take much time for him to expand his venture to Mysore. That was how- Sangam made its beginning in the city of palaces in August 1971.
Though the screening began with Rajesh starrer Kannada film Anugraha, the theatre soon became a place for all language movies.
It’s evident with the movies successfully screened here. From the earlier Amar Akbar Antony to Trishul, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh to others, the theatre has the credit of screening family entertainers. Among Kannada language movies, Dr Rajkumar’s ‘Shruti Seridaga’, Vishnuvardhan’s Aaptarakshaka, Shivarajkumar’s debut film Anand, AK-47 and Ravichandran’s Ramachari, maximum hits have been screened.
Though Anand was screened in two shows- morning and noon, it completed 100 days, Mallappa Swamy manager of the theater from over two decades, told City Herald.
Ramananda Narayanrao Mandre who was widely known as R N Mandre in film circuit had no dearth of ideas, and when he launched the theatre here on a leased land, it was unique among others.
Like Japan
It was the first air-conditioned set up, ramp outside that leads to the balcony, garden on the lines of Japan and also ample seating facility of 962. It’s also the highest and the unique qualities still remain, Swamy reaffirms. For vehicles parking too, the theatre has ample space.
The ramp here makes the theatre disabled-friendly too, while it was much later that the law was devised instructing the governments to construct ramps for the benefit of physically challenged in all the state buildings.
It also enhances the facade of the theatre.
Stars’ visit
Yesteryear’s screen diva like Meenakumari, Vyjayantimala and B Sarojadevi, and Dileep Kumar have visited the theatre.
After Mandre, the theatre is being run by the family of M B Ramesh (who passed away recently) the owner of the land on which theatre was built. M R Rajiv Urs son of Ramesh, holds the mantle, said Swamy.