Opened in 1929, Shivaji Chitra Bhavan, located near the Music College, was Baroda’s first cinema house to feature a cinemascope screen. Originally named Chitra Bhavan, the theatre was known for showing silent films in its early days.
The Evolution of the Theatre
In 1969, the theatre was damaged during riots but was soon renovated and reopened as Prince Cinema (Talkies). The updated venue was equipped with the latest technology of the time, including a RAC projector imported from the USA and side speakers. It retained a seating capacity of around 345.
Prince Cinema became well-known for hosting visits from famous actors such as Rakesh Roshan and Reena Roy, who came in 1974 while filming Goonj in the city. Subhash Ghai also visited in 1972 during the release of Do Bachche Dus Haath. Besides Indian films, the theatre was famous for screening Hollywood movies and was an all-India distributor for major studios like MGM, Warner Bros, Columbia Pictures, and 20th Century Fox.
The Changing Times
Although Prince Cinema was a major player in Baroda’s film industry for over 60 years, it has declined in recent years with the rise of modern multiplexes. Today, Shivaji Chitra Bhavan primarily shows regional Gujarati films but remains an important part of Baroda’s cinematic history.
Prince Cinema was also famous for English Hollywood movies of MGM, WB, Columbia Movies, 20th Century Fox, and they were also all India distributor of this big banners.
Old films like Guns Of Navarone, Where Eagles Dare, Magnificent seven, 5 Man Army, Longest Day ( before release of this movie cinema was renovated with cinema scope screen ) James Bond series , Mackenna’s Gold, Vertigo, Cleopatra, The Ten Commandments and such many hits movies of 40 till 60. This cinema had RAC projector import from USA with side speakers of that time. Mr Taherali bhai had vision of 100 years what we see today as DTS, THX and such.
It was 347 seats, Balcony 119 and upper stall 228. Other owner brother of Babubhai is Hatimbhai Vohra, both alive and living happy life kids and 3rd generations. Babubhai has 3 sons Abbas Vohra, Yusuf Vohra ( Sabbir Vohra ) and Zoeb Vohra, elder settled in New Zealand and younger at Singapore, Yusuf still in Baroda. Hatimbhai has two daughter and one son names as Alifiyaben, Fatimaben and Taherbhai, all settled in Ahmedabad.
Original founder of cinema was Mr Taherali bhai Mohammedali bhai Vohra in 1929, and partnership with Homi Wadi ( Wadi movies ) Mumbai and made may movies under this banner. They ruled Baroda Cinema Industry for over 60 years, and had good relation with today’s top stars.
In 1980 renovated by Mr Pranlal Doshi and first movie was Arth of Om Puri
It was from starting Prince Talkies only, and not in 1972. From day it started till today. Single owner for more then 50+ years know as Babubhai Vohra, who sold to Mr Pranlal Doshi in 1978, and now belongs to old owner of Apsara Cinema.