Anand, a landmark theatre in Kottayam, was inaugurated in 1967 by the then Hindi superstar Dilip Kumar in the presence of Malayalam evergreen hero Prem Nazir. Anand has now been totally renovated and is undoubtedly the best single screen in the state. It has the highest ticket rate for a single screen (Rs 120 & 70) in Kerala.
The refurbished Anand looks and feels like a high end multiplex with state-of-the-art seating, lavish leg space, an upmarket cafeteria and canteen with imported coffee and popcorn machines, superior projection with JBL speakers and imported Rocker chairs in the balcony.
After Anand, many more single screens in Kerala are going for total renovation to make cinema viewing a more comfortable experience. Anand used to be a 1000 seater which has now been reduced to a 525 seater, giving more leg space to audiences. Anand is run by Central Cinemas controlled by three brothers Matthew George, Alex George and G George. They also run the biggest and oldest distribution concern Central Pictures.
Says Alex George: Today the public is demanding and insists on getting value for money, as they are exposed to the latest in comfort and luxury. We feel cinema theatres should give the latest amenities to provide a comfortable viewing.
Images & Text: Moviebuzz
