How Albert Theatre became Madras’ cultural landmark

The movie-going experience in the Madras of the early 1980s was largely centred around Mount Road. There were theatres in and around Poonamallee High Road too, and most new releases were watched on screens linked to these arterial roads.

Egmore, a thriving locality placed equidistant from these two veins of the city, did not have a theatre. And it all changed during the October of 1984 when the Albert complex was unveiled. Consisting of big-screen Albert and the smaller Baby Albert, the venue became a matter of pride for those living in the area, and they referred it to as namma (our) theatre.

A haven for moviegoers

Being new, the theatre had that contemporary vibe, and the technical aspects were smooth. Close to Egmore railway station, the hall was easy to access, thanks to suburban trains. College students using the Beach-Tambaram line could hop onto a train, get off at Egmore, grab a bite at Impala, and walk to Albert to catch the latest flick.

And for those catching long-distance trains and with time to kill, the theatre offered an air-conditioned refuge. A movie would be relished, and for the thirsty, the nearby watering holes on Kennet Lane came in handy. Later, overnight trains would be caught, or those private buses to southern Tamil Nadu.

Albert soon became this essential visiting spot for Rajinikanth fans. To catch a Rajini movie first day, first show at Albert was deemed a rite of growing up. Be it Thalapathy or Baasha, the theatre erupted as the superstar made his entry. Back then, this was his bastion, and the faithful kept rushing in.

Fans celebrate the release of Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala at Albert Theatre
| Photo Credit:
M. PRABHU

Kamal Haasan-starrers usually did the rounds in the Devi and Sathyam complexes. However, there was a twist in the tale as Kamal’s iconic comedy caper Michael Madana Kama Rajan found its heart at Albert. The film was a blockbuster as the story of quadruplets, mistaken identities, and revenge, all laced with a humorous touch, struck a chord.

The classic turned 30 this October, and its dialogues are common knowledge for viewers of a certain vintage. Albert was not just about the tentpole films; the lesser ones with rooted humour like Aan Paavam, or classy, urbane outings like Minsara Kanavu, also found an audience.

Age did catch up with Albert while many of its rival complexes on Mount Road either shut down or opted to renovate and flourish. In the recent past, there have been days when Albert had no shows, but thankfully, it was not a permanent pause, and movies continue to be screened.

Old-time patrons do talk about the need to improve facilities while fervently hoping that their favourite theatre gains a second wind — just like how Egmore railway station did after shifting from metre-gauge to broad-gauge.