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Last weekend we did something different in the last year and a half or so. Miraj Cinema has opened a new movie theatre at Shahdara. We wanted to check that out and watch a movie. For all of you, who have been getting their dose of screen-time through digital entertainment at home, this is for you.

Miraj Cinema Shahdara

Till a decade back, watching a movie was just about the movie. However, the sprouting of multiplexes in tier 1, as well as tier 2 cities, has changed the narrative.

It is not just about the movie anymore. It is about the air-conditioning, the leg space, the restrooms and last but not least, the candy bar. In other words, movie watching now is not just an activity, it is an experience!

Miraj Cinema has been providing such experience in movie multiplexes all over the country. They run theatres in 36 destinations apparently. Miraj Cinema Newtown in Kolkata is very popular. We have watched some movies at their theatre in Gurgaon. It has always been a very relaxing experience and we gave extra points for the cleanliness here.

It has been a while that we have not ventured into a cinema hall. We have watched movies on digital platforms. While OTT entertainment has brought cinema to our bedrooms, it is somewhat a compromise. We have missed the “experience” angle of movie viewing. When we came to know that a brand-new movie theatre had just been inaugurated at Shahdara, we made a beeline.

We watched the movie Qismat 2 at Miraj Cinema Shahdara. The theatre was just a day old and yet had more viewers than what we were expecting.  The premises were sparkling. The sound system was clear. The auditorium was elegantly designed but what made us happy were the seats. The reclining chairs had sufficient leg space. Consequently, there was no cramming for the 2 to 3 hours of movie duration. If one is looking for comfortable seating in a movie hall, Miraj Cinema, Shahdara takes the cake.

Lobby area

The lobby area of Miraj Cinema Shahdara exuded good vibes. They had a cool video wall displaying promotions for upcoming screenings. Apparently they are not just screening Bollywood movies, but Hollywood and regional Indian films as well. Watching the clips run one after the other was an entertaining experience on its own. We also marveled at the glass wall dedicated to Marvel characters. There was something about this special wall, the Marvel characters were impartially attracting the young and the young at heart.

Pop Corner – The candy bar at Miraj Cinema Shahdara

And yes, we did check out the refreshment options here. A movie viewing experience is incomplete for us without some beverage and a bucket of popcorn. The Pop Corner at Miraj Cinema, Shahdara not only had popcorn but also many other snacks and savories. For folks who prefer warm beverages, they had a coffee counter as well. All in all – we had enough options to stuff ourselves with pizza, popcorn, nachos, and burgers. Brownie points for keeping our favorite combo of butter and caramel popcorn. 

Miraj Cinema, Shahdara location

Miraj Cinema is located on the second floor of Vikas Cine Mall, Shahdara. They have ample basement parking on the premises. While waiting for their movie, one can do some browsing at the stores on the other floors of the shopping mall. The nearest metro station to this movie theatre is Shahdara Metro Station.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/mbUUCKdVQwqh85RC6

COVID readiness

This post will remain incomplete without a paragraph on how COVID-ready is Miraj Cinema Shahdara. We were screened for the body temperature at the entrance of the theatre. Every person of the staff we encountered was wearing a mask. Sanitiser disposers had been placed at strategic locations.

Last but not least, as per Government guidelines, the auditoriums were being filled to only 50% capacity. In fact, they were following the chequered board seating arrangement.  That is, diagonal seats at the back and on the sides were kept vacant. This ensured maximum physical distance between 2 viewers.  So apparently, screenings were happening here with COVID protocol in place.

Closing notes

It has been almost two years of staying at home. And the movie evening was a welcome change. For one, unlike home where one tends to face interruptions, this was an uninterrupted movie time. In any case, we have always loved watching a movie on the big screen. The clean environment, ample leg space, and great acoustics made us feel safe. We shall be catching more movies at Miraj Cinema Shahdara, whenever we are in the vicinity.