There’s A Beautiful Parisian-Style Theatre In Bandra

New to the city, I was pointed in the direction of Bandra’s Hill Road when I realised that my Delhi wardrobe was completely unsuited for Mumbai’s stickier weather. With export surplus clothing stores as far as the eye can see, Hill Road came through and I was extremely pleased about the deal I struck on a lovely pair of cotton pants but that wasn’t the highlight of my shopping excursion. The best way to discover a city is on foot and chancing upon a Parisian-style movie hall right here in the middle of bustling Bandra cemented this unwritten travel ‘rule’. Le Reve, French for ‘The Dream’, is a beautiful single-screen movie hall that stands out prominently against the backdrop of Bandra.

Built by SPI Cinemas, the PVR-equivalent in Tamil Nadu, Le Reve is their first venture in Mumbai or anywhere outside Tamil Nadu. They acquired the rights to make this dream a reality in 2015, after the iconic Globus Cinema was shut down. In its place, today, stands Le Reve that looks like it belongs in a movie. The two floor theatre has been carefully conceptualised by Vikram Phadke, who heads Chennai-based interior design company Interspace, and is marked by the use of glistening white marble, a classic black-and-white colour scheme, elegant staircases, black chandeliers, walls of roses and an impressive snack selection.

What makes them stand out, in addition to the minimalist design, is the experience of watching a movie at Le Reve. Ushers who walk you to your seats, fresh, delicious snacks that are anything but your run-of-the-mill popcorn and coke, loos that are fully-equipped with smart feedback so you can share your experience and recommendations, blankets, pillows, a portable charger, free Wi-Fi, as well as a number to WhatsApp in case the air conditioning temperature is set too low and you’re freezing at your seat - Le Reve has it all.

If you’re hoping to circle back to the conversation about snacks, just know that you can elevate your popcorn-eating experience with their self-serve glass dispensers filled with toppings in three delicious flavours - Mexican Cheese, Barbeque Chili and Sour Cream and Onion. Fresh salads and cold-pressed juices are also on the menu at Le Reve and a cafe with an impressive selection of French pastries is slated to open soon, completing this Parisian movie-watching experience.

The show prices start at INR 120 and Le Reve is currently running Murder On The Orient Express, Coco, Tumhari Sulu and Wonder. Bookings can be made through the SPI Cinemas app, or if you’re simply around the area and feel like dropping in to catch a show, tickets can be purchased from their kiosks on the ground floor and fourth floor. Snacks can be bought prior to the show as well, along with your tickets, so you can enjoy the movie uninterrupted.

See you at the movies?