“During these times of multiplexes when single-screen theatres are not doing well we thought of renovating the interiors so as to pull crowds to single screen theatres. We understand that there is an emotional attachment with the theatre and thus we thought of maintaining this even after the renovation. The interiors however are truly world class,” said Farokh Chinoy, business partner, Victory Cinema.

Victory Cinema, earlier known as the Capitol, has a legacy of over 70 years. Having witnessed the British era as well as the post-Independence period, Capitol was is the news for the famous Capitol bomb incident during the freedom movement. The name Capitol was changed to Victory Cinema in 1987, when the then owner, Dina Dara Sukhia, won a case on the property. Then, it had a capacity of 630; now, it will have less but still holds a special place in the hearts of film lovers.

“Victory has historic importance, but it does not come under the list of heritage structures in the city. The changes are all internal; the exteriors have been kept untouched. It is a commercial activity and we have sanctioned,” a senior official of the Pune Cantonment Board’s engineering department said.

Starting Friday, the cinema will host five shows a day “Today, we have reduced the capacity to 450 to provide better facilities and more comfort. Still a single-screen theatre, Victory now houses a hi-tech sound system, a world-class projection system, improved acoustics, light effects and so on. We will provide the modern amenities at ticket rates ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 100,” said Chinoy.