With its old-world charm, comfortable seating, and spacious food and beverage area, Maratha Mandir continues to offer an experience that keeps cinegoers coming back. The corridors, adorned with photographs and trophies, serve as a testament to the theatre’s rich history and legacy.
“We try our best to offer a good experience, be it pricing or ambience,” said a staff member who has worked at the theatre for over a decade. “Most of our audience includes couples, night-shift workers who sometimes nap inside in the AC, and regular patrons. I’ve become friends with some of them; we even share food occasionally.”
Among the audience are students, office-goers, and social media influencers, many of whom feel emotionally connected to the film. Screenings often turn into joyous celebrations, with the crowd whistling, cheering iconic dialogues, and singing along to memorable songs.
Lines like “Bade bade deshon mein aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hain,” “Palat, Palat, Palat,” and “Jaa Simran, jaa, jee le apni zindagi” regularly echo through the theatre.
Vijay, a 58-year-old taxi driver, watches the film during his lunch breaks. For him, DDLJ is deeply personal. “My father was like Amrish Puri ji, a strict disciplinarian but with a heart of gold. This film reminds me of him. He passed away a few years ago,” he shared.