I wonder what we did before the renovated Sataym Cinema came along into our lives. I’m sure movie watching was not as much fun! Now it’s something we look forward to – not just for the movie but for the experience as a whole…
The biggest plus is of course its location. Right in the heart of the city, just off the arterial Mount Road is the Satyam Cinemas complex with its six cinema halls that screen all the latest movies. Apparently Satyam Cinemas is also amongst the first few halls in the country to introduce RDX in its screens. And in fact it is the only hall in Chennai that screen 3D movies. So with its digital projection, dolby digital sound (of course), spacious, comfortable seating and tastefully done interiors – watching a movie here is certainly a delightful experience.
But enough already about the movies. Let’s look at what else is there…
To my knowledge you get the best ever popcorn at this hall! It’s always fresh, crunchy and crispy. Next to the popcorn counter is a table laid out with all kinds of masalas that you can add to your popcorn. My favourite is the spicy, slightly tangy powder that has me going “iss uss” with its delicious spice right through the movie! Yet another favourite of mine is their delicious masala chai. The cold coffee is excellent too. Other tried and tested delights are the vegetable puff – which is incredibly tasty, the melt-in-your-mouth soft chocolatey rolls – they are simply delicious (a little too sugary for me – but I love it all the same!). They have a host of other items on sale like pastries and sandwiches – I have not tried these but judging by their standard these should be amazing too!
And what else?
Magic Hat – the children’s play area
Very often the biggest question is where do we leave the kids when we are off to watch a movie? At Satyam that’s taken care of. Magic Hat with its tiny acquarium, a mini ball pit, a TV room, plenty of toys and games plus a cozy nap room – offers a delightful refuge for kids with boundless energy. For three hours you pay what your cinema ticket costs and your child is taken care of. Snacks are provided in-house or alternatively you can send your snacks and they will ensure that the child eats it. The caregivers, dressed in smart uniforms, are cheerful and friendly. Kids feel instantly at home! And parents feel reassured about leaving their kids here.
ID – the South Indian restaurant
This recent addition to the Satyam Cinema’s repertoire of offerings is simply par excellent. It offers a whole host of really well made traditional South Indian dishes like idlis, dosas, vadais, pongal, upma…and more. The good news is it does not try to get adventurous. It offers tried and tested recipes – so the menu might seem a bit limited – but the outcome is excellent. Every dish I’ve tried there is simply delicious. The vada does not leave your fingers oil-stained. The Pongal does not float in ghee – but still tastes amazing…What’s more, the pricing comes as a pleasant surprise too. These days its become a norm for us to eat a meal at ID either before or after a movie!
Blur – gaming zone
This is awesome! Over 15000 square feet of gaming zone. The game options here are mind boggling! There are even games for confused and clumsy novices like me! Plus every conceivable toy for gaming enthusiasts like Sony PSP, Ninetendo Wii, PS3 and various other noise emanating gizmos that are beyond me! And when you get hungry playing you can stop for a bite at the Coffee Shop – that even serves delectable wood fire oven pizzas among other interesting things.
Ecstasy – a boutique dessert zone
The popular French Chef Mickael Besse has been imported for this purpose. And let me warn you that you’ll need to exercise immense self-control once you get in there. You’ll simply want to drool at everything and eat everything. Sinful I tell you! But so so so delicious. I cannot even begin the describe the taste. The Blueberry Cheesecake takes you to the berry fields of France…the Tiramisu is absolutely dreamy…
These are the two things I’ve tried. They are sinfully rich, creamy and of course delicious. There’s plenty more where these came from and I will be trying them soon…
Fuel Card – the prepaid movie card
This is an interesting facility Satyam Cinemas offers. It works just like a pre-paid phone card. You top up the card and then book tickets using this card. Works well for people like my mom (in-law) who watches at least one movie a week with her gang of friends and select relatives! You can do a phone booking and collect your ticket when you get to the cinema hall by showing them your card. Neat and convenient.
Clean, clean, clean toilets
This, I confess, is the biggest attraction for me – since I’m always wary of unclean public toilets. (And I’m sure a lot of ladies out there are nodding their head in agreement). Considering they have thousands of visitors each day – neat, clean, dry toilets are a remarkable feat indeed.
The only hassle, if you ask me is the parking. It is sort of organized in a chaotic way. Given the space constraint – all cars for a particular movie are parked in a line one after the other. If, like my husband, you are one of those who likes to rush out of the theater as soon as the movie is over – then you may have to wait by your car until the person in front of you or behind you swaggers along. A minor problem, considering all the other benefits! There is also free parking available just a little distance away. Satyam Cinemas runs buses to and from this parking area from the cinema complex. We have never tried this option – so I cannot tell you how efficient this is.
Ah I did forget to mention that you can book for your movies online or by phone. Home delivery of tickets is offered and they charge Rs 10 extra per ticket for that. Also forgot to mention that they keep trying something new – for instance every Wednesday night they had something called ‘Blind Date’ – so you will not know which movie you are watching until the movie starts. It’s a gamble – that it seems many people enjoyed taking. Movie festivals and previews too happen here. Recently they held ‘Ability Fest’ which featured international cinema by, with and about people with disabilities. And more such events constantly keep happening.
With many more such multiplexes scheduled to open in the city, Satyam Cinemas have their job cut out. But I think if they continue going the way they are and maintain their standards, loyalists like me will continue to troop in. After all, who does not like to be pampered with such wholesome entertainment!?