It’s curtains for Nataraj Theatre, fans say show will go on

The festive mood of several Rajinikanth fans over his film’s release in the city was slightly dampened because of the closure of the iconic Nataraj Theatre.

The theatre in Seshadripuram, which opened in 1970, would be decked up by fans ahead of a movie’s release. Humongous cut-outs of Rajinikanth and other stars of the Tamil Film industry and other celebratory props always welcomed movie-goers to the theatre every single week.

As it is surrounded by localities largely populated by Tamil-speaking people, Nataraj Theatre will be missed for its "unique feeling", fans say. “A Rajinikanth film release means no less than a festival for us. We used to decorate the Nataraj Theatre based on different themes. The large number of Tamil-speaking people will miss it,” said Kumar Velu, an avid fan of Rajinikanth from Srirampuram. Velu is a member of Rajinikanth fans' association, which would look after the arrangements at the theatre before every release.

Nataraja Theatre was also the main target of pro-Kannada organisations, whenever the Cauvery issue would take centrestage. It has the record of closing down for months without running the shows.

The fans belive the craze for movies will go on in Sampige Theatre. “With the theatre shut down now, we are trying to recreate the same festive mood in Sampige Theatre, which is a few metres away from this place.” Velu added.

But they say the craze won’t overshadow civic sense. “The owner of the building has been co-operative and as the complex has other commercial establishments along with the theatre, we will make sure our celebrations do not disturb them.”