Sathyam-PVR Cinemas: Till 2036, Audiences Must Suffer?

Sathyam Cinemas faces audience complaints

Sathyam Cinemas is one of Chennai’s most iconic theatre brands. However, audiences have been complaining about its food and screening quality for years. The issue came up again during Nani’s The Paradise event in Chennai.

A journalist directly questioned SPI Cinemas owner Swaroop Reddy about the current condition of Sathyam Cinemas. He said the food and screen quality had become poor and asked why audiences had to put up with it.

Swaroop Reddy pointed out that PVR Cinemas’ lease runs until 2036. When the journalist bluntly asked, “Till then, audiences must suffer?”, Swaroop Reddy simply laughed without giving any concrete answer.

His reaction itself became a talking point. He did not give a clear reply on whether the food and screening experience would improve. There was also no specific commitment to address the complaints.

PVR Cinemas acquired SPI Cinemas, the company behind Sathyam Cinemas, in 2018. Since then, sections of the audience have continued to raise complaints about the food and overall theatre experience.

SPI Cinemas is also distributing Nani’s The Paradise in Tamil Nadu.

Sathyam Theatre’s food and screen are WORSE.

“PVR’s lease ends in 2036.”

Reporter: “Till then, audiences must SUFFER?” @_PVRCinemas @SPICinemas pic.twitter.com/PygrNnT4kY

— M9 NEWS (@M9News_) September 17, 2026