The Mona theatre in Patna. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Aug. 11: Movie buffs here is a picture that is certainly going to amuse you. The dream of a multiplex-like hall in the city is finally a reality.

The script for Mona theatre, a singleplex, has undergone a massive change and is now offering all the facilities of a multiplex to cine-lovers of the city.

The residents are no longer alienated from luxuries and advantages of a multiplex in the city.

The renovated theatre was opened to the public on January 14, 2009 with the premier of Nikhil Advani’s Chandni Chowk to China.

Pradeep Kumar, a cine-goer said: “Renovation of Mona into a multiplex-like hall has fulfilled the dream of the residents of the state capital.”

Manager and owner of Mona theatre, Ajay Kumar Kataruka, said: “There was a time when we had to cancel the late-night shows. Now, we don’t have any tickets, for people coming in late.”

The weekend shows in the 9pm to midnight slot, in the theatre, are always houseful these days.

Suresh Kumar, a resident who frequents the theatre, also praised the new look of Mona theatre. Kumar is a regular visitor to Delhi and he had to satisfy his thirst for movies in the national capital.

Now, however, he is able to catch movies in Patna.

He said: “I will be able to visit the hall and watch movies regularly now. Earlier, because of absence of quality cinema halls in the city, I used to watch movies in Delhi.”

Kataruka said: “Mona is considered the best theatre in Bihar. It draws many people for all the shows. The late-night shows also attract hundreds of people, including families. This is a huge sense of relief.”

The theatre has a seating capacity of 442 people and the tickets cost Rs 150.

People who arrive early can select the seats they want. Later, seats are allotted as available.

All the facilities at the theatre are on par with the country’s best multiplexes.

Food counters, brown walls, colourful curtains and the tasteful ambience make movie viewing a pleasurable experience for the cine-goers. The 70mm screen has been made flexible so that it could be compressed or stretched, as required.

Modern projectors and Dolby digital sound give a film a real-life experience.

Metal detector machines are also in place for security purposes.

People carrying cigarette, tobacco packets and banned substances are not allowed inside the hall.

They are required to leave their stuff outside and collect it, after the show.