 North side of the main entrance of Metro INOX Cinemas in May 2018 | |
 Interactive map of Metro INOX Cinemas | |
| Former names | • Metro Cinema (1938–2006) • Metro Adlabs (2006–2008) • Metro Big Cinemas (2008–2016) |
|---|---|
| Location | Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Dhobitalao, Marine Lines,Mumbai,India |
| Public transit |  Marine Lines |
| Operator | INOX Leisure Limited |
| Type | Cinema Hall |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 5 June 1938; 87 years ago (1938-06-05) |
| Renovated | 2006; 19 years ago (2006) |
| Architect | Thomas W. Lamb |
Metro INOX Cinemas[1] (formerlyMetro Big Cinema (2008–2016),Metro Adlabs (2006–2008) andMetro Cinema (1938–2006)) is anArt DecoHeritage grade IIA multiplexMovie theatre inMumbai,India built in 1938.[2] It was built and originally run byMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). The main architect of the cinema wasThomas W. Lamb ofNew York City, and D. W. Ditchburn (Senior partner of the architectural firmDitchburn Mistry and Bhedwar) of Mumbai was the associate architect.[3]It was one of the main sites targeted in the2008 Mumbai attacks.
Metro is located in theDhobitalao area of Mumbai.[2] TheArt Deco cinema opened on 5 June 1938, and initially exhibited movies made by MGM. The interior, floors, walls, ceilings as well as the furniture, was in shades of red and pink. Patrons were serviced by liveried ushers in the marble foyer and staircases, which led up to murals by students of theJ. J. School of Art, underCharles Gerard. In 1955 Metro was the venue for the firstFilmfare Awards night.[4]
In 1970, the cinema was taken over by the Gupta family and with Indianisation came the era of screening Hindi films.
It soon becameBollywood's most famous red-carpet theatre. The Indian star presence at Metro became so prominent that riot police were often called in at film premieres.
Despite such achievements, Metro could not stand up to the multiplex invasion, it was becoming difficult to fill up the 1,491 seats. The promoters decided to transform the old cinema into a multiplex, while also restoring its original art-deco interiors. The cinema was acquired byAdlabs Cinemas and in the start of 2005, the cinema closed down.
The cinema re-opened after renovation in August 2006, screening the Karan Johar film “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna”. The cinema now has six screens, which are among the largest multiplex screens in Mumbai.[5]
18°56′34.6″N72°49′43.67″E / 18.942944°N 72.8287972°E /18.942944; 72.8287972
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