Iconic Rex Theatre site gets a Director’s Cut makeover

PVR’s super luxury multiplex hopes to carry forward the legacy of cinema on Brigade Road

Falah Faisal | NT

Bengaluru: Rex Theatre was an iconic landmark on Brigade Road that held a special place in many people’s hearts. They had memories of bunking school and watching movies with friends or wandering to catch the latest Hollywood movie without burning a hole in their pockets.

So when it was torn down a few years ago and got replaced by a mobile store, it was a sad sight. But those film buffs need not worry because something bigger has risen from its ashes. PVR announced the launch of its first Director’s Cut in Bengaluru, at Forum Rex Walk on Brigade Road. The new Director’s Cut marks the inauguration of the finest luxury cinema in Bengaluru and the third of its kind in India.

Director’s Cut provides the ultimate movie-going experience blending the best in high-end hospitality and entertainment. It seats a total of 243 audiences in its five super luxurious thematic auditoriums uniquely designed to offer an unparalleled experience.

Present at the event were Ajay Bijli, the Chairman and managing director of PVR, Irfan Razack of Prestige Group along with Rezwan and Noaman Razack, and the theatre was inaugurated by Kannada movie star Kiccha Sudeep, who said he felt underdressed at the event.

“I was told that I had to inaugurate a new theatre, not come to a 7-star hotel. We all have great memories of Rex Theatre and seeing what they have done with the place is a challenge for filmmakers to make a film worthy of this environment.”

"We are experiencing a growing demand for luxury cinema experiences from movie connoisseurs as they resume their movie-going habits after a pause. Director’s Cut is a one-stop destination for a wholesome movie experience, with unique offerings.

The expansion of Director’s Cut to Bengaluru is an essential part of PVR’s assiduous strategy to increase its luxury screen portfolio with a view to redefine spaces and provide experiential world-class cinema to patrons,” said Ajay Bijli as he unveiled the five state of the art auditoriums ‘The Lounge’, ‘The Gallery’, ‘The Grove’, ‘The Library’ and ‘The Venetian’, each with its own unique style.

Rex was a single-screen cinema where films were accessible to all and a place for many college students to get their fill of the latest movies. When asked about what they would do to make it accessible to the public, Bijli promised to have flexible prices and offers on weekdays to draw in a crowd.

Irfan Razzak added “Things have changed drastically now where people can watch movies on tabs or their phone. When I was a kid for Rs 5 you could not only buy a movie ticket but also a dosa on Brigade Road and now you can’t even find parking for that much.”

“When the Kapoors (owners of Rex) entrusted us with the property, we felt we should carry forward the legacy of cinema. And who better to do it than with PVR,” said Razack who helped PVR open their first multiplex in Bengaluru in Forum Mall in 2004.

The audience was then treated to trailers and refreshments in the auditorium including Sudeep’s latest offering Kabzaa. The theatre will officially open to the public on December 9. One would have to wait and see how much of a crowd it draws.