The gates of Bandra's G7 Multiplex, once among Mumbai's busiest single screens turned multiplex, are locked shut, and police notices are now pasted right where crowds used to line up. Not a single show is running at the 30th Road cinema, and the usual buzz outside has vanished.
What Do the Police Notices Say?
The notices stuck outside the property state that the venue's licence has not been renewed, and that this is the reason it has been shut down. Owner Manoj Desai disputes that explanation, saying the real story behind the shutdown has nothing to do with paperwork.
Owner Says Burnt Cables Are to Blame
According to Desai, some cables inside the theatre recently burnt out, and shows cannot resume until they are replaced. Replacement cables are being sourced from the Lohar Chawl area in South Mumbai. "There is a technical problem behind the theatre not running," Desai said, adding that shows will restart as soon as the new cables are fitted.
Shows Ran Fine Until Sunday
Desai further said the theatre was operating completely normally through Sunday, with shows running as usual. It was only from Monday that screenings had to be halted, and he maintains the cause is purely technical. The theatre is expected to reopen the moment the cable work is finished.
Opened in 1972, First Film Was 'Seeta Aur Geeta'
G7 Multiplex was once known as Gaiety Galaxy, one of Mumbai's oldest and most popular cinema halls. It opened on 24 November 1972, and the very first Bollywood film screened there was 'Seeta Aur Geeta'. It began with just three screens, Gaiety, Galaxy and Gemini, before four more screens were added later, turning it into today's G7 Multiplex.
Cheap Tickets and a Spot Right by Bandra Station
The multiplex's biggest draw has always been its affordable ticket prices and its location right next to Bandra station, which is why it typically draws large crowds. Manoj Desai has been running the multiplex for a long time, with thousands of moviegoers visiting every month. For now, both staff and regulars are waiting for the cable work to finish so the screens can light up again.
