For those who’ve been in Kolkata all their life, New Empire ( Near City Mart) is second home. This is where they would have seen their favourite movies, waited in line for tickets and enjoyed an evening with friends. This grand old cinema hall in the City of Joy is in located in the bustling New Market area and has managed to survive inspite of the entry of the new multiplexes and malls.

The Humanyun Place Theatre as it was earlier called opened its doors in Kolkata way back in 1934. Shamsher Bahadur Jung Raja, a minister in Nepal, wa the one who converted this building into a cinema hall. Imagine watching a movie at the same place where Rabindranath Tagore put up a play at this place that he had directed.

Built in the art deco style of architecture, the movie hall can accommodate 1,000 people. The old marble stairs takes you upto the fourth floor where the entrance to the balcony and dress circle is. Even if you just want to get to the front seating arena, movie goers have to climb two flights of stairs. This ought to give you a fair idea of how big the theatre is. Not only this, but their screen is still one of the biggest in the city. Yes, despite the new multiplexes! Though the theatre has dolby sound, the hall lacks the updated audio systems of the new theatres. With a vintage feel, the theater has small seats lind up against closely lined up rows through the hall.

For those going to a movie with kids, the coolest part about this place is they let you bring in outside food, either store bought or from your own kitchen. A great Khatti roll shop and Domino’s pizza parlor right next door, people are spoilt for choice. Wait, there is more! Would you believe it if we told you there is a bar in the building with the best in fizz. Settle down in your sea with a bottle of chilled beer, and you are all set for the movie.

Old place with funky options!