VICTORIA, Seychelles — Deepam Cinema, one of the most iconic venues in the capital, is temporarily closed as of yesterday for a three-month renovation, in preparation for its 40th anniversary celebrations in August. The cinema was officially opened on August 10, 1985, and to commemorate this milestone, the owners are investing in upgrades to enhance the experience for patrons.
Among the changes, there will be a new silver screen installed to ensure optimal picture quality for all screenings, while other key upgrades include state-of-the-art sound systems by installing a Dolby Atmos surround sound system with 40 high-quality speakers, and a self-service ticketing kiosk in the lobby to easily manage ticketing for visitors. The cinema’s manager, Mr Pillay, noted that the building, originally constructed over 70 years ago as a Drama Theatre, was not designed with accessibility in mind, and committed to making the necessary adjustments to ensure that the cinema is accessible to all patrons.
The renovation reflects the cinema’s ongoing efforts to remain competitive in a market that has been transformed by streaming services and home entertainment, and to reaffirm its place as a cultural landmark in Victoria. The owners are also expected to use the anniversary as an opportunity to host a series of community events and special screenings, including retrospectives of Seychellois and Indian films that have played at the cinema over the past four decades. The cinema is scheduled to reopen in time for the Independence Day celebrations in June.
