Cinemas and theatres in Chennai

Chennai’s entertainment landscape is defined by its deep connection to both the Tamil film industry and classical performing arts. This list features iconic cultural institutions like the Music Academy and Narada Gana Sabha, central to the city's Carnatic music season, alongside historic single-screen cinemas like Kasi Theatre and Udhayam. From modern multiplexes in shopping malls to campus venues like the IIT Madras Open Air Theater, these spaces reflect the city's diverse traditions in performance and cinema.

Chennai Cinemas and Theatres — Map

Aravind Sivaraj / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Gandhi Mandapam

Gandhi Mandapam is a series of memorial structures built on Sardar Patel Salai, in Adyar, Chennai.

B

Sri Krishna Gana Sabha - Auditorium

A prominent cultural hub in T. Nagar known for hosting Carnatic music concerts, Bharatanatyam dance performances, and the annual Gokulashtami Sangeetha Utsavam.

C

Music Academy

Madras Music Academy is one of the earliest established music academies in South India.

D

Narada Gana Sabha

Established cultural venue on TTK Road that serves as a major center for classical music and Tamil theatrical plays, particularly during the December Music Season.

E

MV Rao Concert Hall

An auditorium located within the Lady Andal Venkatasubba Rao school campus, frequently used for high-profile music concerts and private events.

F

Alliance Française

Cultural center that hosts international film screenings, independent theater productions, and art exhibitions in its dedicated performance space.

G

Lalit Kala Academy

The regional center for the National Academy of Art, featuring galleries for visual arts exhibitions and spaces for creative workshops.

H

Open Air Theater (OAT)

A large outdoor venue within the IIT Madras campus, famous for screening weekly films and hosting major events during the Saarang student festival.

I

Central Lecture Theater (CLT)

A primary indoor auditorium at IIT Madras used for academic lectures, seminars, and student cultural programs.

J

CEG TAG Auditorium

A modern auditorium located at the College of Engineering, Guindy, used for university conferences and technical symposiums.

K

Jazz Cinemas LUXE

An upscale multiplex located in Phoenix MarketCity mall, featuring premium seating and advanced IMAX projection technology.

L

Inox National

A multi-screen cinema located in the National Towers on Arcot Road, showing the latest domestic and international film releases.

M

AVM Rajeswari Theatre

A historic cinema hall in Virugambakkam with ties to the legendary AVM Studios, primarily screening Tamil language films.

N

Kamala Cinemas

A well-known twin-screen cinema in Vadapalani, situated near the heart of the Tamil film industry's production houses.

O

Kasi Theatre

A landmark single-screen theatre in Jafferkhanpet, famous for the enthusiastic fan celebrations during major Kollywood movie premieres.

P

S2 Theyagaraja

A modern multi-screen cinema in Thiruvanmiyur, formerly known as Theyagaraja Theatre, featuring contemporary sound systems and interiors.

Q

Ganapathiram theatre

A traditional neighborhood cinema hall located in Adyar, serving local residents with regular screenings of popular films.

R

Udhayam Theatre

A prominent multi-screen complex in Ashok Nagar that has been a major landmark for moviegoers in South Chennai since the 1980s.

S

Srinivasa Theatre

A neighborhood cinema located in the T. Nagar area, typically screening Tamil films for local audiences.

T

Srinivasa Theatre

Local cinema hall situated in T. Nagar, catering to residents with daily screenings of regional cinema.

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