Nostalgia at Prarthana Theatre: Chennai's Iconic Drive-In Cinema

Chennai, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: “We watched two sets of stars — one sparkling in the night sky and the other coming alive on the giant screen,” says Vijayalakshmi Muralidharan, recalling her frequent visits to Prarthana Theatre, Chennai’s erstwhile drive-in theatre on East Coast Road, in the early 1990s.

For Ms. Muralidharan, daughter of veteran director and producer A.P. Nagarajan, a trip from her then residence in Adyar to the open-air theatre in Injambakkam offered more than a movie outing. It was an experience of watching the stars in the night sky and her favourite stars on the silver screen, each adding to the magic of the evening.

Located on a sprawling 15-acre site at Injambakkam, Prarthana began its journey as a beachside drive-in theatre and restaurant complex. The theatre was a unique addition to Chennai's recreational landscape, which at the time had limited options for entertainment outside of traditional indoor cinemas. The allure of watching films under the vast sky, coupled with the comfort of one's own vehicle, created a novel experience for movie-goers.

Memorable Experiences

With a massive screen measuring 100 ft. by 60 ft., the theatre opened on May 10, 1991, according to a 1997 report in The Hindu, which quoted N. Devanathan, founder of the venture. The premises could accommodate nearly 175 cars from where viewers could enjoy the movies. In the 1990s, visitors were charged ₹30 each and ₹5 per vehicle, making it an affordable outing for families.

At a time when the city had fewer avenues for recreation, Prarthana drew large groups of families and friends. “We used to visit as a group of 10 to 15 persons and often watched the same movies for the second time just for the open-air experience,” said Ms. Vijayalakshmi. This social aspect of the drive-in theatre contributed significantly to its popularity, as it became a gathering place for communities to bond over shared cinematic experiences.

Long-time residents recalled the theatre complex as an iconic destination that offered wholesome recreation for an entire generation of Chennai’s movie-goers. Neelankarai resident Srilakshmi Mohan Rao recalls driving all the way from Alwarpet then with her family in 1992 and 1993. They would watch movies from inside the car, carry chairs, or sometimes spread a carpet on the ground, illustrating the informal and relaxed atmosphere that the drive-in theatre fostered.

Iconic Films and Sound

“Those memories are still fresh in my mind. While it was mostly movies like Jeans and Minnale in Prarthana, Hindi films were screened in Aradhana, the indoor theatre in the same complex. We carried our own food and sometimes tasted sandwiches and finger chips from the restaurant,” said Ms. Rao. The experience of enjoying homemade snacks while watching a film added a personal touch to the outing, making it feel more like a picnic than a traditional movie night.

The sound system is another detail that remains etched in the memories of film buffs. “I still remember how clearly we could hear the movie despite the noise around us. There was no echo. People used to dance to the popular songs from the Kamal Haasan starrer movie, Indian. We watched most of actor Rajinikanth’s films there,” said Ms. Vijayalakshmi. The quality of sound was a significant factor in enhancing the viewing experience, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the films, despite the outdoor setting.

Closure and Legacy

The open-air theatre had two daily shows — 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. The ECR was sparsely populated then, and there were no safety issues. The complex also had a children’s play area, catering to families and ensuring that children had a safe space to enjoy themselves while their parents watched the films.

The theatre had two seating galleries to accommodate nearly 614 people, a restaurant, and Aradhana indoor theatre with a seating capacity of nearly 331 seats and was equipped with DTS, reported The Hindu in 2006. This multi-faceted setup allowed it to cater to a wide range of audiences, from those looking for a casual drive-in experience to others preferring the more traditional indoor setting.

In 2021, the Prarthana theatre ceased operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and made way for real estate development later. The pandemic had a profound impact on the entertainment industry, with many theatres struggling to survive amidst lockdowns and changing consumer habits. For many, Prarthana remains a cherished part of Chennai’s past, evoking nostalgia for a time when cinema was a communal experience, shared under the stars with family and friends.

The closure of Prarthana Theatre marks the end of an era for Chennai's cultural landscape. As urban development continues to reshape the city, the loss of such unique venues raises questions about the preservation of cultural heritage and the spaces that foster community interaction. The memories of Prarthana Theatre live on in the hearts of those who experienced its magic, serving as a reminder of the importance of such communal spaces in an increasingly digital and individualistic world.

As Chennai evolves, the legacy of Prarthana Theatre will likely inspire future generations to seek out similar experiences that blend cinema with the great outdoors, emphasizing the enduring human desire for connection and shared enjoyment.