Funky movie props, wall art & large screen action at Take 2, Kodambakkam

Movie trivia meets cricket fandom at Kodambakkam’s new hotspot, Take 2, with a mixed bag of themed eats and funky cocktails — all served with a dash of fun.
Take 2
Take 2

Chennai-based restaurateur Raghu Raman has what Sunny Gavaskar would call a “happy knack” of picking up some winning hits — not quite on the cricket pitch, but in the city’s nightlife scene.

The co-owner of Illusions The Madras Pub in Mylapore, and The Vault Bar in T Nagar, who also consults for resto-bars such as The Cycle Gap in Anna Nagar, has quickly made a name for himself — for trendy, hip hotspots that speak of quirky design and conceptual elements in their décor and offerings.

Raghu’s onto his next big innings, so to speak, with Take 2 Between The Shots, a new lounge and restobar, barely a month old, located in the bustling neighbourhood of Kodambakkam, popularly referred to as the hub of the Tamil film industry.

<em>Fusion cuisine at Take 2</em>
Fusion cuisine at Take 2

This is the Los Angeles of Chennai, and it was Kodambakkam that led to the name Kollywood, I’m informed, walking past the evening ceremonies of a couple of crowded temples, located around the corner. 

Lankeshwaran Sivarajah, the young owner of Take 2, tells me that the cinema-theme was an obvious choice, given that the locality is home to many a star and celebrity.

Also, the timing couldn’t have been better for their launch, with the ongoing IPL cricket tournament bringing on added reason for over-the-top bibulous merriment. (Go, CSK!)

<em>Darth Rum at Take 2</em>
Darth Rum at Take 2

If cricket’s not your thing, the wall art and murals at Take 2, assembled by local craftsmen, ensure a fun outing. Look for the camera lens-shaped mugs, spotlights and retro-chic director’s chairs seemingly from actual film sets, and assorted props including a collection of clapperboards emblazoned with titles — from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly to the upcoming Kaala.

No surprise that a wall is covered with a fresco of the Superstar Rajinikanth. But then, a lot of the attention is admittedly focussed on the live sports action on the large screens.

<em>Pop Corn Martini</em>
Pop Corn Martini

Dancing down the pitch
The Take 2 menus are liberally sprinkled with cricketing terms — expect assorted finger food named ‘Last ball six’, ‘Match fixing’, ‘Master blaster’, ‘Super over’, ‘Rumming (sic) between the wickets’, and so on.

There’s a good load of cinematic references as well, with signature cocktails named after The Matrix, Austin Powers and Mr Magoo, among others. Our pick for unusual concoctions is the Darth Rum 350, a mix of rum, whiskey, Irish syrup, whipped cream, crushed ice, and Bournvita. Raise an eyebrow? Well, this could be one to raise a toast with to one’s growing years!

The movies spill over onto the menu sections ‘Gladi-eater’ (crostini), ‘King’s Speech’ (goujons), ‘Silence of the Lambs’ (kebabs & tikka), and so on. Then again, if you’re just looking for a plain good time, there’s always the best part about Take 2 — an open-air smoking section, from where you can either read the movie signboards on the streets, or beseech a few match-saving prayers from the temples next door. 

Ask for the special food and beverage offers on IPL match days.
 

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