Wed Jun 18 01:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article adaptation:
**Summary:**
This article explores the significant, yet often overlooked, role of the Parsi community in the early development of cinema theatres in Chennai (formerly Madras). While Raghupathy Venkaiah was the first Indian owner, several Parsi entrepreneurs, including J.F. Madan and Seth Rustomji Dorabji Wellington, established and ran prominent theatres like Elphinstone, Wellington, and Casino. The article details the history and eventual decline of these single-screen cinemas, many of which were later converted into commercial spaces or fell into disrepair. It also highlights the early presence of Parsi drama companies in Madras, demonstrating their long-standing involvement in the city’s entertainment scene.
**News Article:**
**Chennai’s Silver Screen Legacy: Unveiling the Parsi Contribution to Early Cinema**
**CHENNAI, June 18, 2025** – A nostalgic look back into Chennai’s cinematic history reveals a surprising and significant contribution from the Parsi community. While often overshadowed by the name of Raghupathy Venkaiah, the city’s first Indian theatre owner, Parsi entrepreneurs played a vital role in establishing and popularizing cinema in the early 20th century.
An investigation into the golden age of single-screen theatres in Chennai has uncovered the influence of figures like J.F. Madan, who established the Elphinstone theatre, and Seth Rustomji Dorabji Wellington, the man behind the iconic Wellington and West End theatres.
“Many of these early theatres were run by Parsis,” notes a local historian familiar with the subject. “Their entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the entertainment landscape of Madras.”
The article highlights the evolution of these theatres, from catering primarily to European audiences to embracing Hindi and Tamil cinema. The Wellington theatre, once a premier venue for Gemini productions, eventually became a commercial complex. Casino Theatre, known for its Art Deco design, stands as a reminder of a bygone era, although its facade has been modernized.
The study also points to the earlier involvement of Parsi drama companies, like the Batliwala Drama Company, in the city’s entertainment scene, further illustrating the community’s long-standing presence.
As Chennai continues to evolve, this historical account serves as a valuable reminder of the diverse influences that shaped the city’s cultural heritage, with the Parsi community playing a key role in bringing the magic of cinema to the masses.
First Piper 