Sri Ratna - 70 years old Heritage Theatre of Tirunelveli

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Did you ever ponder why Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu has become such a famous spot for cinema enthusiasts? The answer lies in the unique and visually stunning cinema halls found throughout the city. Unlike traditional rectangular or box-shaped theatres, these cinemas offer a visual feast inside and out, making them a hallmark of this historic city alongside its temples and Halwa.

One such cinema hall is Sri Ratna Theatre, near the iconic Tirunelveli Arch. Designed by renowned architect Mr. Avudaiyappan, this theatre is just one of many beautiful cine theatres in the city, including Central, Lakshmi, and Parvati, all designed by the same architect. Shankar Reddiar owned another theatre called Parvati, located diagonally across from Sri Ratna, which cleverly allowed those who couldn't get tickets in one theatre to easily cross the road and watch a movie in the other. Locals of Tirunelveli fondly refer to these twin theatres as Ratna-Parvati.



Ratna Theatre has been a favorite go-to place for locals since its inauguration in 1954. Sivaji Ganesan's Manohara was the first movie to be shown in this 70-year-old historic theatre. One can appreciate the beautiful relief sculptures that embellish the walls and the adorned windows of the theatre even without stepping inside, especially an art admirer.

The sculpture of Surya riding the horse is a standout feature, flanked by two girls holding flowers in their arms. The variations in their posture are cleverly depicted, creating a welcoming image of sunrise and sunset. On the ground floor, the walls are adorned with a depiction of Rama accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. The windows have various designs, such as a lotus on the water body and deer roaming in a forest.



One of the most impressive features of Ratna Theatre is the beautiful relief sculpture of three damsels dancing with an accompanying musician. A circular design is also aesthetically incorporated into one corner of the structure, with circular columns on the ground floor supporting the upper levels, which are adorned with beautifully decorated porous windows. The terrace also features intricate designs and decorations.

The architecture of Ratna Theatre is a source of pride for the city of Tirunelveli. Whether you have a penchant for art or cinema, you must not miss the opportunity to visit this splendidly designed structure.

Happy travelling!








Location: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

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