A Cinematic Renaissance: How Miraj Cinemas Transformed Delhi’s Historic Aakash Theatre into an Art Deco Multiplex

In 1989, Aakash Cinema in Azadpur, Delhi, was the talk of the town, drawing massive crowds eager to catch the latest blockbusters like Amitabh Bachchan’s Shahenshah in its grand 1,000-seat single screen. For nearly three decades, it was a beloved entertainment hub, but like many single-screen theaters, it eventually succumbed to the rise of multiplexes and evolving audience preferences, closing its doors in 2016. Today, this historic venue has been dramatically reimagined as Miraj Cinemas, a stunning Art Deco-inspired three-screen multiplex that masterfully blends its classic heritage with contemporary flair. Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, Managing Director of Miraj Entertainment, shares the intricate journey of this remarkable transformation.

After acquiring the property originally established by Ravinder Singh Anand’s Middle East Estate Builders, Miraj Cinemas embarked on an ambitious overhaul. The venue, now known as Miraj Cinemas, Azadpur (within the Aakash Cinema Commercial Complex), offers more than just movies. It’s a comprehensive entertainment destination featuring a three-screen multiplex, a vibrant food court, diverse retail shops, and convenient parking. Bhuvanesh explains, “Our vision was to inject new life into Aakash Cinema, enhancing it with modern amenities while preserving its nostalgic essence. We aimed to create a space that offers next-generation entertainment without losing the iconic theater’s unique aura.”

The redesign process, spanning six to eight months, presented unique challenges. “The primary hurdle was finding the perfect balance between the old and the new — retaining the soul of the original theater while integrating modern luxury elements,” Bhuvanesh notes. This meant incorporating nostalgic thematic design rather than preserving outdated physical structures like old seats. Another significant challenge was optimizing the existing space to accommodate multiple lobbies, restrooms, and food and beverage areas, all within the confines of what was once a single, expansive cinema hall and foyer.

The aesthetic vision for Miraj Cinemas Azadpur draws heavily from the elegance of Art Deco and the timeless appeal of classic cinema. Patrons will be greeted by Art Deco-inspired patterns and intricate wall textures, serving as a subtle nod to the cinema’s storied past. The design boasts polished marble flooring and beautifully illuminated ceilings. The entire space is adorned with geometric motifs and retro-style decor, including mirrors and lighting fixtures, all carefully chosen to evoke the golden age of cinema in a fresh, contemporary manner.

Beyond the aesthetics, a significant technical overhaul was undertaken to create three distinct auditoriums, collectively seating 446 guests (Audi 1: 239, Audi 2: 104, Audi 3: 103). Bhuvanesh elaborates on the engineering feats involved: “Architects and engineers meticulously installed new soundproof walls, ensured optimal projection sightlines for each screen, and re-graded floor slopes for updated seating. A key achievement was maintaining impeccable acoustics and sightlines within these new, smaller auditoriums, a complex task within the shell of a single-screen venue. Miraj successfully equipped all screens with 2K digital projection, immersive 3D capabilities, and state-of-the-art Dolby surround sound.”

Miraj Cinemas isn’t alone in this endeavor to revitalize Delhi’s single-screen theaters. In 2024, they transformed Chand Cinema in Mayur Vihar Phase 1 into Chand Miraj Cinemas, a six-screen luxury multiplex. This trend is gaining momentum, with other notable examples including PVR Priya in Vasant Vihar, an iconic 1978 single-screen, relaunched in 2021; Vishal Cinema in Rajouri Garden, a 1,400-seater, which became PVR INOX Vishal, a six-screen multiplex with IMAX and 4DX in 2023; and the legendary Chanakya Cinema in Chanakyapuri, which was rebuilt into a luxury mall housing PVR Chanakya. These transformations highlight a broader movement to preserve cinematic heritage while offering modern, immersive experiences.

Currently, Miraj Cinemas Azadpur is screening a diverse range of films, including Jolly LLB 3, Nishaanchi, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, and Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi. Tickets are readily available through Miraj’s official website, their apps, and various third-party ticketing platforms, making it easy for audiences to experience this reinvented cinematic marvel.