Theatres That Became Kollam’s Landmarks
K.R. Ravi Mohan
S V Junction
Few remember the theatre behind this name. S V Talkies, once a thriving cinema owned by the Kidangil family, was named after Shanmukha Vilasam, the company that ran it. A favourite for Malayalam and Tamil films, it pulled in crowds for decades before shutting down. The building may be gone, but the name remains, a quiet tribute to Kollam’s cinema past.
Sangeetha Junction
Near Ramankulangara, Sangeetha Theatre was once a major attraction. It started as a modest thatched-roof venue before growing into a well-regarded A-class cinema. Though its screens have gone dark, the junction still carries its name, a reminder of when the theatre defined the area.
Cappithan Mukku
‘Cappithan Theatre’ stands out not just for its films but for its ship-like design, a tribute to Kollam’s maritime legacy. The ‘Cappithan Mukku’ is at Sakthikulangara
Sarathi and Apsara
Sarathi Theatre in Karikode and Apsara Theatre in Ayathil were once major cinemas. Sarathi, owned by a prominent business family, screened everything from blockbusters to art films. Apsara, a favourite among audiences from Kollam’s outskirts, had a loyal following.Though the theatres are gone, their names still define these locations.
Kumar Theatre
Built in 1961, Kumar Theatre was a favourite among Kollam’s filmgoers. It stood alongside major cinemas like Grand Theatre and SMP Palace, offering a mix of seating from simple benches to balcony views. In 2015, it was rebranded as ‘Usha,’ modernising while preserving its legacy.
Terminus Theatre
Opened in 1969 by contractor S.G. D’Cruz, Terminus was Kollam’s most advanced cinema of its time. It premiered with Agnipariksha and later screened Hollywood classics like Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments. Competition from Priya Theatre led to its decline, and after D’Cruz’s passing in 1979, the theatre eventually shut down. A hotel now stands in its place.
SMP Palace
Originally Sri Moolam Picture Palace, this cinema began as a town hall in 1936. It hosted Tamil touring theatre before becoming Kollam’s first permanent movie house. Despite financial struggles and multiple ownership changes, it survived, upgrading in 1978 to stay relevant. Today, SMP Palace remains one of the few single-screen cinemas still operating.
Grand Theatre
Opening on 3 December 1964 with Aayiram Roobai, Grand Theatre became a cornerstone of Kollam’s cinema culture. Known for its grand velvet curtains and signature pre-show music, it screened major Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi films for over five decades. As multiplexes took over, Grand struggled to compete. It closed permanently on 31 December 2017, marking the end of an era.
Prince Theatre
An extension of Grand Theatre, Prince opened in 1977 with Kannappanunni. One of Kerala’s earliest two-screen cinemas, it attracted younger audiences with its selection of popular films. Prince Snacks Bar, attached to the theatre, was a popular hangout. On 31 December 2017, it screened its final show, becoming another lost landmark
Zenith Theatre
Opened in April 1962, Zenith Theatre was built on a site that had once hosted wrestling matches, theatre troupes, and open-air performances. The first film screened was Paalum Pazhavum, with audiences served milk and fruit to match the title. The theatre quickly gained a reputation for screening a mix of Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi films. Eventually, it faded into history, like many of its kind. These theatres were more than just buildings. They were places where friendships formed, where first dates unfolded in the glow of the silver screen, where laughter and tears filled the air long before the credits rolled. They stood as landmarks in a city that once revolved around cinema, their neon lights reflecting the dreams of an entire generation.