PVR Inox Limited revamped the landmark Lido cinema in Juhu, Mumbai and revamped it into a three-screen multiplex, PVR Lido. It was opened on May 31 and on June 5, a grand opening event was held in the presence of Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Ltd, all-rounder Farhan Akhtar and prominent filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti. It was announced at this press meet that the multiplex chain will run a week-long retrospective film festival from June 7, 2024, in 38 cities at 136 cinemas over a period of one week, celebrating 15 years of Zoya Akhtar’s filmmaking journey.
Farhan Akhtar, while addressing the media, revealed, “Ajay Bijli and I met on some island in Maldives during the pandemic. We were discussing ‘Kya log wapis theatre aayenge? Sabko aadat lag gayi hai film TV pe dekhne ki’. And it’s so heartening to see people returning in such numbers. It is what the Indian people culturally enjoy – going to a movie theatre, sitting with strangers and experiencing something together.”
Sanjay Gupta, who owns Lido Cinema, was also present. Going down memory lane, he said that Anil Kapoor-Madhur Dixit's Tezaab (1988) ran house full for 28 shows in Lido.
Farhan remarked, in this trademark style, “Sanjay ji said that the theatre is close to his heart. It was close to our school! I have seen Gandhi (1982) in this theatre. I have fond memories of this place and it's nostalgic to be back here.” He also raised laughs saying, “I am very happy that Zoya has taken so much inspiration from her younger brother. Bas yehi kehne ke liye main yahan tha (laughs)!”
Then, on a serious note, Farhan Akhtar said, “Zoya has a very distinct voice in today’s landscape of filmmakers. She has her own style and way of writing and presenting. As her brother and collaborator, I couldn’t be happier.”
Farhan Akthar was asked about the most special film that he has worked on with Zoya Akhtar. After thinking for a few seconds, he replied, “These questions are impossible to answer. It’s like ‘aapka favourite bachha kaunsa hai?’! It’s tough to say but probably the most fun we had making a film together was Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Because that’s the kind of film it was. Hence, it was probably the most enjoyable experience, not just for me but for everyone. But every film, be it Luck By Chance (2009) or Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) and any other film in future that she casts me in will always be special!”
Reema Kagti, too, praised Zoya Akthar and it was heartening to see the latter smiling saying ‘Thank You’ to the former. Zoya was asked about the first-ever shot that she directed in Luck By Chance. She answered, “The first scene I ever shot was in Chiplun where Farhan, Isha Sharvani and Dimple Kapadia were having breakfast together. My first shot was a mid-shot on Dimple Kapadia. So, she’s my first actress ever (smiles).”
Farhan added, “Zoya and I have worked together creatively and closely since Dil Chahta Hai (2001). She was involved in Lakshya (2004) as well. So, it was not like I was surprised that ‘Oh my God, she can direct’! It felt like a natural, organic extension of what she was doing before. Hence, I was comfortable.”
Talking about her retrospective, Zoya stated, “When my office told me about it, I was very excited. Also, it was coinciding with nine years of Dil Dhadakne Do! There’s a part of you that asks, ‘Retrospective? Am I kind of done?’! But there’s another part of you that’s jumping with joy that your films are going to be on the big screen again.”
Talking about PVR Lido, it has a total of 326 seats in three screens. It features state-of-the-art projection and sound technologies, including 2K laser projectors, Next Gen 3D, and Dolby 7.1 sound. The interior of the cinema is done in an intriguing contrast of black, white, and grey stones with hints of blue. The exterior of the cinema has a larger-than-life mural that covers half the building with a massive PVR INOX Limited signage. It serves as a homage to the rich legacy of Bollywood film heritage and the cinemas of yesteryears, making the cinema building unmistakably visible from a distance.
Ajay Bijli, said in a press statement, “The reopening of LIDO Cinema represents a significant moment for us at PVR INOX Limited. Such iconic cinemas represent the distinctive architectural legacy and fabric of the city that they belong to, and we are happy that in reviving this historic cinema, we could preserve a slice of Mumbai’s heritage and cultural identity. We are particularly thrilled to launch the heritage cinema with a retrospective film festival celebrating Zoya Akhtar’s remarkable 15-year journey in filmmaking, which perfectly aligns with our vision of curating memorable and enriching experiences for movie lovers. The unique appeal of the new cinema lies in its ultra-modern viewing experience that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
“LIDO Cinema has been a part of Mumbai’s landscape for almost eight decades. We are incredibly happy that our efforts to restore this cinema have helped it transition to an avant-garde experiential space. We are delighted to open this new chapter with an event that brings together influential voices from the film industry like Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, and Reema Kagti. We have prioritized cinema aesthetics, technology, and the experience of the moviegoers and hope for it to become the preferred movie-watching destination for people from all walks of life.” said Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited.
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