Galaxy brings Calcutta to Cary

Kalindri Padia, Siva Allu and Nagi Reddy want to bring a new type of theater experience to North Carolina. With the opening of their Galaxy Cinema in Cary Dec. 30, they have done just that.

The three owners aspired to open a theater that could serve the large Cary Indian community. “They wanted to have a theater that would consistently run Bollywood films, as well as indie films, documentaries and other foreign films,” theater manager Brantley Sawyer says.

Upon its opening, the Galaxy was running older Indian films, but now it has begun opening films that are currently playing in India.

Things have picked up quickly for the new theater. “We are drawing people not just from Cary, but from all over the Triangle,” Sawyer says.

The concessions stand provides traditional Indian cuisine like samosas, in addition to the typical popcorn, candy and soda. According to the theater's website, “Galaxy Cinema is going to be a one of a kind movie exhibition location where you can buy authentic food at the concession stands of the country from which a movie is being played.” This translates to items such as spring rolls and other Asian dishes when an Asian film is featured. Additionally, the Galaxy sells gourmet coffee drinks, and also beer and wine.

Though the Galaxy contains six screens, just three are currently being used. “The owners [of the Galaxy] are working with the owner of the properties to get the other theaters running. We hope to have all six by May,” Sawyer added.

The Galaxy initially had trouble finding films to exhibit because of problems with distributors. They were forced to show second-run films at the outset. Now they have resolved this problem and are able to open new movies.

This weekend the Galaxy will bring three heralded films to Cary: Academy-award winning documentary Born into Brothels, the British Rory O'Shea was Here, and the legendary French Wave director Jean-Luc Godard's latest, Notre Musique. Additional information and showtimes at mygalaxycinema.com.