Chennai
Named after the renowned intellectual and actor Kalaivanar NS Krishnan, the building, which used to screen children’s films at one time, besides Tamil films and stage plays of eminent artistes and famous mythological dramas of late actor RS Manohar, was demolished during the previous DMK regime to pave the way for the construction of a new Assembly complex.
Located on Wallajah Road, the more than 1,000-seater auditorium was inaugurated in January 1974 by the then Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, for whom it remained one of his favourite places. Today, the new building constructed by the government was inaugurated by the CM through video-conference from the State Secretariat. The unique feature was that a total of 32 murals adorn the front and rear portions of the building.
The complex was earlier scheduled for inauguration a couple of months ago, but was deferred due to the delay in completing the complex architectural work. During the last six months, about 100 skilled stapathis from Srivilliputhur in southern Virudhunagar district were involved in the laborious task of carving the murals that were between six feet and 20 feet in height.
While the murals, depicting mudras of various dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, appear to be of stone work, they were carved in temple style with brick work and stone finish, official sources said.
The building was the first government building to have escalators, in addition to elevators and a massive space to park more than 200 cars and 500 two-wheelers, besides facilities with basement parking.
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