TheatreMagic ::: December 2018 - February 2019

MAMI Chooses Qube for Movie Distribution Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) which organises India's leading film festival has partnered with Qube Cinema for the Jio MAMI 20th Mumbai Film Festival with Star.

Qube Wire is the technical partner for the festival. Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is Asia's biggest film festival that brings together renowned film talent from all over the world converging with the Indian industry from across the country in Mumbai. MAMI was founded in 1997 by renowned film professionals from the Indian Film Industry to create an annual international film festival in India that brings the best of cinema to the audience. This edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star will celebrate its 20th-year milestone. Apart from the festival, the academy curates and runs a unique Year-Round Programme that sustains conversations around cinema throughout the year and makes cutting-edge cinema from India and across the world available to the audience year-round.

At Jio MAMI with Star, the emphasis has always been on presenting a filmmaker's vision as intended by them. The festival only showcases DCPs and gives the utmost importance to ensuring that the technicals of each screening adhere to the highest global standards.

"Qube Cinema has been working with the festival to further our vision of being a truly world-class festival.

With over 220 films screening at the festival in over 18 screens, the logistics behind the process of screening a film with all the technicals in place are vast. We are thrilled to collaborate again for this edition with Qube Cinema." said Anupama Chopra, Festival Director of MAMI." MAMI is partnering with Qube Cinema for the 8th consecutive year. This year Qube Wire has proven to be a great

solution and will help eliminate the pain of managing the content and keys for a number of movies.

Filmmakers from many countries take advantage of Qube Wire to eliminate their logistical nightmares." said Sharmila Vasudevan, Regional Marketing Head of Qube Cinema.

With the Qube Wire service, the process of physical Digital Cinema Package (DCP) transportation for a film festival has now been enabled online. Qube Wire will also manage the DCPs and Key Delivery Messages (KDMs) of all film screenings during the 20th edition of this prestigious film festival. The dedicated festival module in Qube Wire will eliminate the risk of drive failures and corrupted content associated with physical delivery and storage. The Qube Wire cloud platform acts as a central hub for all content, transforming the distribution process and ensuring that KDMs are always targeted to the correct screen devices. The Qube Wire service is now available across 134 countries for delivery of movie content. The territories where Qube Wire content delivery services, are now available to include major regions of the world in both developing and mature markets, from Southeast Asia to Africa to Europe and the Americas.

Qube Cinema has added new features to the Qube Wire platform to simplify the digital cinema distribution workflow. The new features include broadband and satellite delivery to theatres, Wire Safe, SMPTE FLM format support and an interesting data visualisation feature, what's-on-Wire (WOW).

Qube Wire has been the distribution partner of many prestigious international film festivals across the world. The prominent film festivals include the Indian Film Festival of

Los Angeles, New York Indian Film Festival, MAMI Film Festival and International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa.

PVR's Subsidiary SPI, Launches 'Aura' in Bengaluru PVR's subsidiary SPI cinemas announce the launch of new cinema at Park Square Mall, Whitefield, Bengaluru. The 4 screen cinema is well-equipped to deliver the most exciting and cinematic experience to movie-goers in the city. Set on two levels, Aura occupies the third and fourth floors, with four avant-garde screens and a seating capacity of 696 in total. Carefully designed to be the perfect balance of comfort and style, Aura also houses a Gold Class with an exclusive lounge on the upper lobby.

Think plush furniture set in perfect lighting with a touch of art deco, topped off with SPI's signature popcorn. The F&B line up by Michelin Star Chef Mickael Besse will include the delicious and refreshing cold coffee, flaky, melt in your mouth puff and sinfully decadent doughnuts along with a host of other options. On the technological front, the screens at Aura are replete with Clarus XC silver screens from Harkness and digital projectors from Christie with 4K resolution and 3D technology. India's second SLS ribbon technology installation finds its home here. This combined with

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Dolby Atmos means that moviegoers can watch their favourite films with enhanced and amplified sound, delivering the most premium auditory experience. Scattered around the rose gold accented lobby are 20 automated self-service kiosks that offer the much-needed respite from long queues. A few of these kiosks have also been strategically placed next to the concession counters to make it convenient for customers to collect their orders.

Customers can book tickets or order food without having to log in. All that is required is an active mobile number. The unique feature of the kiosks is the built-in card machine that enables smoother and seamless transactions. Apart from credit/debit cards customers can choose to pay using the in-house 'Fuel Wallet', PayTM or UPI. For customers who prefer using their mobile phones, ticket bookings can be made via www.spicinemas.in or the SPI Cinemas app. Food orders can also be placed on the go by using the exclusive feature called Pick & Go which lets customers pre-order food from anywhere. Services like free wifi, portable chargers, pillow & duvet, spectacle cleaning and WhatsApp for instant feedback are offered and tended to by a team of hospitable staff. 'All of our brands have unique identities and we are happy to launch Aura in Bengaluru.

This will mark our second cinema here and we look forward to welcoming you,' said Swaroop Reddy, President, SPI Cinemas.

Mahesh Babu's Multiplex to Open with Rajinikanth's 2.0 Telugu matinee idol Mahesh Babu is going into the multiplex-theatre business. According to sources very close to Mahesh Babu, the cineplex in Hyderabad, which will be a part of

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the biggest mall in Asia, is being constructed in partnership with Asian Cinemas, one of the primary multiplex chains in Andhra Pradesh.

The cineplex named AMB, an acronym for Asian Cinemas and Mahesh Babu, is most likely to be inaugurated in December. And the opening film will be Shankar's sci-fi spectacle 2.0.

The swanky AMB multiplex was to open in November. However, it was stopped at the last minute due to red-tapism. "There are jealous elements trying to delay the project.

That's why the opening was pushed to December," says the source close to the actor. The posh AMB Cineplex is looking at a 'premium placement' among movie theatres in Hyderabad.

"Mahesh Babu's fans should feel they are in for a special treat when they come to AMB," source adds. For the opening film 2.0, Mahesh will personally invite Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar to the theatre.

PVR Q2 Net Profits Up 31% Multiplex chain operator PVR Ltd on Thursday reported a 31.18 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at 330 million for the second quarter ended September 2018. The company had a consolidated net profit of 251.7 million for the July-September quarter of the last fiscal, PVR said in a regulatory filing.

Its total income during the quarter under review stood at 7.14 billion.

It was 5.59 billion in the JulySeptember quarter a year ago.

Total expenses during the second quarter of this fiscal were at 6.59 billion. Shares of PVR were trading at 1,283.20 a piece on the BSE, up 0.07 per cent from their previous close.

The Villain, First Kannada Movie to Cross 100cr Box Office

The Sudeep-Shivarajkumar's multi starrer kannada movie The Villain hit the screens on October 18, 2018 and opened to a phenomenal response at the Karnataka box office. According to the latest trade estimates, 20-day gross at the worldwide box office currently stands at 123 Crore which is a pretty healthy number.

The Villain is one of the most ambitious Kannada films in the recent times. It has been shot against a budget of 60 Crore and was released on more than 500 screens in Karnataka in the first week.

Shalini Gupta Joins INOX as VP for Brand and Communication (Marketing) Shalini Gupta join's INOX Leisure as vice president - brand and communication (marketing). Gupta worked with Lokmat Media for two and a half years, prior to that she worked with Reliance Broadcast Network and held multiple positions at the company. Previously, she was working in corporate marketing Big Magic and Big Magic Ganga and as chief marketing officer - Big Magic and Big Magic Ganga.

With close to 20 years of work experience, Gupta has also worked with Loop (erstwhile BPL) Mobile India, Parle Agro, Bharti Airtel, and Grey Group in the past.

METRO INOX, India's First Rooftop Solar-Powered Cinema Mumbai's iconic heritage cinema METRO INOX is now South Mumbai's largest cinema and continues the celebration of legacy and luxury with the launch of their signature indulgence, INSIGNIA screens which is 100% solar powered. The fastest growing cinema chain INOX is proud to bring India's first multiplex to join the solar revolution.

The iconic Metro Cinema has celebrated the glorious cinematic history of our country since 1938.

It was recently completely refurbished rekindling its heritage features by INOX Leisure Ltd, India's leading multiplex chain. Guests are treated to bespoke interiors, plush seats with ample leg room, cutting-edge sound and projection technology, razor-sharp 4K visuals and surround sound of Dolby Atmos and now the newly added INSIGNIA screens as well which also makes it South Mumbai's largest multiplex. INOX Metro is also home to Kiddles which is Mumbai's only auditorium dedicated exclusively to children. With a great Gatsby look, the all-new METRO INOX is a tribute to the original designer of the iconic METRO cinema, Thomas Lamb.

Siddharth Jain, Director, INOX Group says, "This is one of our many firsts in the Cinema Exhibition Industry.

We are happy to be a part of the solar revolution and what better to start it with our heritage property.

METRO has been iconic to the film industry and we have done every bit of work to restore its glory and at the same time, add in our 7-star experience. We are certain that our guests will appreciate our efforts of giving them the best of experience and also contributing towards the environment. Come to watch a movie at our carbon emission free cinema and support the future."

Gupta Family of the Metro Realty group mention, "We are extremely

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proud to announce the inauguration of the first 100% Solar Powered Cinema in India. This is our commitment to the Solar revolution in India. As for Mumbai, we believe this will act as an inspiration and precedent for other developments and other areas of the city to Go Solar. In Mumbai's pursuit to become an environmentally sustainable and smart city, it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in the solutions. This is the testament of our belief."

THE INSIGNIA screens are home to the best of cinematic experience which includes a complete feel of watching a movie with 7-star experience and what more; it is also a contribution towards protecting the environment. Mitigating 282 tons of CO2 during its operational life the project will significantly contribute to protecting the environment. Cleaning up Mumbai's Air whilst reducing METRO INOX's, carbon footprint and this installation will be equivalent to planting 4526 teak trees. The system is expected to generate a total of 1,33,000 electricity units annually. In its operational life of 25 years, the project would have generated about 33, 00,000 units of clean & green energy.

Sarkar, The Biggest Vijay Starrer Opening Film on Bookmyshow The much-awaited and anticipated Sarkar which released on Diwali is already creating ripples. The festive release has made its mark by becoming the biggest Vijay starrer opening film on BookMyShow.

Sarkar's popularity had gained

momentum since the time advance bookings started. As compared to Vijay's last super hit film Mersal, Sarkar's advance booking multiplied over 2x on BookMyShow. The film has already crossed the 1 million ticket sales milestone on BookMyShow. While Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad have responded extremely well to the film, there has been a strong uptake for Sarkar in Tier II cities including Coimbatore, Salem, Trichy, Kochi & Trivandrum.

Talking about Sarkar's performance on BookMyShow, Ashish Saksena, COO- Cinemas, BookMyShow said, "Sarkar has been the talk of the town since its trailer was out. BookMyShow saw a phenomenal response for the advance booking and the opening days. We anticipate the coming weekends to add to the growing demand of the film and are elated to contribute to the success of Sarkar."

2.0 in Mind Blowing Technology Used First Time in the World The trailer of Superstar Rajinikanth's 2.0 launch is taking place in a grand manner at Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai. It has been revealed that the new age technology of 4D sound has been used for the first time in the world for this mega Sci-fi thriller.

Usually, the surround sound system consists of speaks on the ceiling and side walls. This innovative sound system will be placed under the seats

to give a realistic and immersive viewing experience.

Director Shankar has requested theatre owners to upgrade to 3D visual projection and 4D SRL sound system to make it a worthwhile experience ofr the audiences for such films of breathtaking grandeur. The full form of SRL is Shankar, Resul and Lyca as they have pioneered it in the world cinema.

INOX Eyes Inorganic Growth Opportunity Multiplex operator INOX Leisure will continue to add 50 to 60 screens every year and scout for inorganic growth opportunity in the segment as part of its growth journey said a top company official. Besides, the company is also looking to complete a pipeline of around 800 screens in the next couple of years, which it has signed across the country. "We are growing at very fast pace. We are opening 50 to 60 screens every year and apart from that we already have more than 800 screens already signed with us. In the next couple of year, we would be able to open these 800 screens. We have a very robust pipeline," INOX Leisure CEO Alok Tandon told PTI. INOX Leisure Ltd presently operates 529 screens in 66 cities.

The company, which has so far acquired brands as Calcutta Cinema Private Ltd (CCPL) (2006), Fame India (2010) and Satyam (2014), is open for more such inorganic growth opportunities in coming future for expansion in regional markets. "We are quite open for any opportunities (inorganic growth) which come in our way," Tandon said, adding "We were the first in the industry to start merger and acquisition in the cinema exhibition industry here... we have already done three acquisitions till now". INOX Leisure had revenue of

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13.48 billion in FY 2017-18.

Like other multiplex chains, the Gujarat-based movie exhibition company is also witnessing an increase in contribution from the food & beverages segment in its revenue and expects this trend to continue."Our Q1/FY 2018-19 F&B was about 26 per cent. If we compare quarter to quarter, Q1FY18 and Q1FY19, it was 22.8 per cent in Q1FY18. Also in Rupee term, average spend per head on food has gone up," he said. According to him, average spend per head on food in Q1 FY19 was at 76 as compared to 65 in Q1 FY18. On being asked as whether INOX has any plans to foray into foreign territories, Tandon said that INOX would concentrate on the Indian market, which is an underscreen market."The screen penetration is very low here. We have only 8 to 9 screens per million population here and hence we would concentrate on expansion in India only," he added.

400 Madhya Pradesh Theatres Shut to Protest Entertainment Tax Film lovers in Madhya Pradesh have been deprived of watching new releases since October as over 400 theatres have downed shutters in protest against entertainment tax levied by some local bodies in the state. A theatre owner said that entertainment tax, which had been levied over and above GST, had created an additional financial burden on the sector and was also defeating the "one nation, one tax" that GST promised. "Goods and Services Tax of 28 per cent is levied on film tickets. Now urban local bodies, depending on their categories, have imposed additional

entertainment tax ranging from 5-15 per cent. Screening of new movies has stopped since October as theatres are shut," said Jitendra Jain, ex-president of Film Federation of India. "The slogan of 'one nation, one tax' which was made when GST was imposed has been proved wrong due to this double taxation," Jain told PTI.

INOX ‘Revenue from Operations' Increases 17% in Q2 FY2019 The Board of Directors of INOX Leisure Limited (INOX) announced its audited financial results for the second quarter of the financial year 2018-19 following its meeting recently. For the quarter ending September 2018, INOX reported 365 crores of revenue from operations, a growth of 17%.

Advertisement revenue amounted to 37.8 crores, 18% higher than the corresponding quarter last year.

During the quarter ending September 2018, the company has opened 28 screens leading to the addition of 47 screens in the current financial year.

Commenting on the results, Siddharth Jain, Director - INOX Group said "Expansion has been one of our key focus this year and we have maintained and executed an aggressive expansion plan. Our aim is to stay ahead of the curve and continue to be pioneers in providing an unparalleled movie viewing experience."

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Arris Architects

Onto being Sui Generis

A wrong design can be rendered as a wrong representation of people's expectations. If one wants people to leave the comfort of their homes, relax from the hassles of office and peacefully spend some time outside, then the Design has to provide the correct experience. Having great precision in tackling all the details and with their architectural practice following the strategy of "Involve-Evolve-Solve Medium and Method", TheatreWorld catches up with Arris who specialises in creating exceptional experiences.

As a youthful sophomore in Sir JJ College of Architecture, when I was asked to present my design, I realized: "it's not WHAT WE DESIGN but WHY WE DESIGN, critical while we convey our design."In order that people accept a design, it is imperative that they accept the thought process.

Thereupon WHY started giving fodder to WHAT. The same maxim has been pursued until present.

How did Arris Architects Pvt. Ltd. begin? Why the name Arris?

After working together for almost three years and successfully

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completing back to back projects, I with my college mate Satish Shetty started our own Practice in 2004 giving form to ARRIS Architects.

Together we were a complete package. Although we had very different capabilities and strengths, we covered all the planes within

ourselves and converged to get the best out of us. A line that joins two planes is called ARRIS. What is the forte of Arris Architects?

We started designing projects including simple unadorned elevations for residences to art brut volumes in the food court and cinema interiors until we got our first break in THEATRES: designing FUN REPUBLIC Lucknow. With this, we started designing many other Malls, cinemas ETC. By 2008 We gained expertise in the art of Designing THIRD PLACES. Tell us more about this concept of Third Places?

FIRST PLACE being our home/ SECOND being our SCHOOL/ COLLEGE/ OFFICE and THIRD PLACE is where we frequently go to socialize.

"Similar to the importance of social connectivity of a person in his life is the importance of THIRD places in

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • the social structure of our society..."Sociology of city- William A. Schwab These Third places are true representatives of our society. Large Temple complexes were taken over by community buildings and marketplaces. Further by Theatres and Cinema. And in today's context Malls and Multiplexes have become the true representative of the social fabric a city wears. It has become a talking point for our community. An element of expression of our lifestyle and prosperity.

What challenges do you combat as architects while designing these third places?

We need to understand a large clan and think for the community. A wrong design can be rendered as a wrong representation of people's expectations. If you want people to leave the comfort of their homes, relax from the hassles of office and peacefully spend some time outside, then the Design has to provide the apt experience. Thus we realized that fundamentally as Architects, "we are not just determined to design malls, offices, houses, etc but to design the EXPERIENCE. The experience that is sui generis, explorable and comforting."

As an avid movie buff, I've always wondered what are all those steps? What are the unique traits of Cinema design?

At foremost importance is the visual comfort of the audience. The

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“Our association with Arris Architects goes back to more than a decade. They have designed more than 200 screens for INOX and have helped us redefine the cinema viewing experience in the country. With the Cinema design background that they possess, they understand our priorities and balance the luxury quotient and project realities gracefully. They build cinema architecture of idea, attitude and context beyond just form, space and structure.

They have created a real shift in visually glamorous yet functional cinema theatres and lobbies keeping in mind the features of every city with progressive design forms and flexibility.

INOX Movie theatres, concessions and lobbies designed by team Arris are carefully detailed. It has been a pleasure working with them. Their systematic emphasis on research, collaboration, modelling, rendered outputs further into built forms and critical evaluation is ideal and I can only applaud its broader adaptation into the business world“.

Alok Tandon, CEO, Inox Leisure Ltd. sightline deduction according to certain standards of average human heights leads to the steps that we climb while we rush into the cinema theatre. The access ways called aisles to every seat in the cinema theatre lit with step lights and seat numbering directing you to your throne to experience the movie thrills.

The complexity of this structure determined by the ergonomics of people seated creates a shell below such that at no point has a

monotony of flat ceilings. This is the foremost constraint of cinema design. While thinking beyond just habitable areas (height) we exploit the entire floor to the maximum to carve out niches in the lobby for food counters and cinema entries.

The pace at which cinemas are being built, how are coping with time constraints?

We are constantly updated with construction technologically. We also do strive to create futuristic designs

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • with the latest materials on site and off site simultaneously. To name one is construction with a lightweight material called Modifoam which is a composite of polystyrene foam blocks of very high compressive strength. These are used to have a very steep rake that is considered best for the immersive cinema experience. It is faster to work with since it gets sliced easily to create stepped seating. Apart from construction material, for projects like INOX Southcity Kolkata, Garuda, Bangalore, we also have executed renovations in phases to save the multiplex from a full shut down.

What are the other technical teams that you work with?

As designers, we work with sound consultants and designs of the side walls being incoherence to absorption quotients. At the same time, the sound insulation from the roof needs to be taken care of while designing the civil shell itself.

Coordination engineered design of DOLBY ATMOS sound, Christie projectors and Silver screens sized to maximum attainable scope which forms the highlights of the cinema operator's offerings for that particular site. We have also collaborated with IMAX for a couple of projects off-site and on-site both.

Also, Structural constraints are to be taken care during the renovation of existing cinemas and refurbishing existing single screen cinema lobby into multi-screen and multiplex lobbies.

As cinema designers which pointers do you underscore while designing?

Primarily, we need to understand the Spirit Of People: We need to have a sensitivity to large footfalls and understanding the attitude and the imprint that they take back home: as an individual, as a couple, as a family. We need to recognize the movement of individuals through the mall to the cinemas; into the lobby; into the

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cinema theatre and exiting into the mall. They need to have not just 'a paisa vasool experience' but a

long-lasting impact to go back home and say that the experience was breathtaking not only because of Rajnikanth but because of the sumptuous food he had ; the relaxing seat he sat on ; the enveloping sound quality ; the glistening tiles and lush carpets he walked on ; the air conditioning comfort ; the luxuriant restroom breaks and not but the least ; the gleaming light chandeliers.

"As always, your design has helped contribute to the success of both our malls at Lucknow and Coimbatore. The latest renovation of Fun Cinemas Andheri has seen an overwhelming response too. The resounding testimony to the successful design is that both the malls have been 100% occupied even during the severe global recession. The cinemas have been swarmed all through the year. The extension of Lucknow with 4 more screens planned with Cinepolis is a testament to the exciting appetite of the audience.

The approach of a coordinated effort between your team and our company has always helped achieve a noteworthy design.

Needless to say, our operators have also appreciated the ease with which they are able to coordinate with your team to accommodate their customized requests. I am confident that we shall be able to strengthen both our efforts in times to come. Good luck!"

Atul Goel, Managing Director E-City Ventures, Essel Group

• SPECIAL FEATURE • Essentially a full-bodied and conscious approach.

Meanwhile, we need to Interpret the Goals of a Cinema operator: his pitch and offers, his marketing and showcasing areas (concessionaire), his expectations of footfalls in that location/ city, his rentals, his manpower, his competitors.

How do you think Design affects society?

We believe that while going to the movies, it is not just a motion picture; but the time spent in the lobby before the film begins, the interval, and when they exit is the right time and place where people socialize.

Also, it's the gospel truth that food brings people together. Hence the design of the concessionaires has a high level of detailing with lights and opulent materials analogous to honeybees flocking at a stamen spiral.

Another characteristic of the design is that it has to be a universal design for an audience from different social backgrounds. At the same time, it varies from megacities to metros to cities to towns to 2 tiers cities.

Working pan India we collaborate with technicians and contractors from different cities with language barriers. Also, the construction material and engineering are steered conforming to the state affairs.

How do you look at the change in behaviour towards grasping content? With Netflix and Youtube influencing more than the Big screens?

Earlier Kishore Kumar would buy a ticket to the US to listen to the latest music to get inspired and learn 'yoodling'. Now the latest music artists get influenced by for example Korean songs easily from YouTube.

We can slowdown if not resist the ‘Change in Behaviour’ to stay home and watch movies. We believe the design of the cinema theatres, the scale and grandeur are aspects that provokes intrigue in the audience.

Cinema has survived through

Dadasaheb Phalke, Martin Scorsese to Zoya Akhtar and will continue to prosper for more generations to come. And not just a Netflix and chill. Cinema will continue to bring people out of their homes to experience life through the movie and apply it to their lives and get inspired constantly. There is a galore of 4k content created every day which needs to be showcased and be experienced.

Eating chips or popcorn is a default reflex while getting entertained while in a movie. About 5 billion videos are watched on YouTube and 4 hours of Television every day. But they share their reviews, reactions and conclusions through virtual chats. What cinema lobbies do is make you share ideas about movies right there. Just like the performing theatre get a standing ovation by the audience there are whistles when Salman Khan or Rajnikanth delivers a famous dialogue.

We always question our friends and family why do people rush in at the final hour? Why not spend some time there? We design the lobbies to keep you involved in a complete experience in food, activities, video walls with ample information and comfort and materialistic glamour primarily to spend more time there before the movie. There is a play area and a theatre dedicated just for kids too!

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• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • Cinemas have gone beyond just 3D experiences bringing in 4D as well. How did you create this 4D experience in R-CITY? An immersive experience in the league to audio and also visual has taken cinemas to next level. We have projected virtual reality with the help of real-time camera renderings with wildlife into cinema lobby spaces of R-CITY. Children find it thrilling to find dolphins and dinosaurs here in the curved video walls of the lobby.

What are your proposals towards the senior citizens of the society?

We all have seen our fathers/ grandfathers or any average retired old man watch a movie and entertain himself in a vinyl recliner.

We propose to have a dedicated cinema barrier-free for the senior members of society. We can also relate to Uber Share. If you and your family can watch a movie on a 84" screen at home. You spend the same comfort with mega sound and mega screens of 48'-0" in a theatre with Sharmaji's Family, Patel's and the Reddys and your wife's kitty party friend's family. Thus we as designers along with most cinema operators are creating experiences to live the movie.

What is the trend in Cinema Designs that you were involved in through past couple of years?

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Our Lobby designs chiefly revolve around materialistic glamour, celebrated spaces while being technologically futuristic. All our designs orbit the cinema patron at the epicentre of the complete experience. Lobbies designed chiefly as lounges accentuating cosiness, comfort and warmth with dim lighting yet glossy reflections.

Geometric patterns in materials, textures of wall cladding materials, backlit counters, metal inlays establish an interaction with the patron leaving a lasting impression.

Analogous to movie making; the complete experience attempts to create a spatial drama with lines and lights, patterns and palettes, textures and materials & the result is a one equally engaging, entertaining and enchanting spatial experiences. To

name a few of our latest completed projects, Inox Prozone Coimbatore (9 screens), Inox R-City (9 screens) collaboration with M+S architects Canada, Inox Southcity Kolkata (6 screens), Inox Mantri Mall, Malleshwaram (5 screens), Inox Whitefield (6 screens), Srisakti Cinemas (9 screens), Vetri Cinemas (3 screens), Gopalan Cinemas (6 screens), Inox Zirakpur (4 screens), Inox Udhana, Reliance Mall, Surat (3 screens). Our designs are often a freeze frame where you can stop and stare. Alternatively, it's a composite of those infinite pauses that take you from one dot to another, with an increasing curiosity and apprehension, of what lies ahead; beyond! There is a sense of mystery attached to the continuity building up to the climax.

• INDIA PLEXING •

INOX INSIGNIA at Epicuria

The 7-star Legacy Continues

Giving Delhi its first world class 7-star movie experience, INOX once again launches its signature indulgence for yet another grand property at the Epicuria Mall. Built with the latest technology in laser projection, plush recliners, larger than life bespoke interiors, food curated by celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani, butler-on-call, personalized ticketing and much more INOX hereby continues the journey of 7-star cinema viewing in the capital city.

INSIGNIA at Epicuria, Nehru Place is truly an epitome of luxury cinema viewing which combines the best of luxury and technology, paired with delightful food experiences for movie buffs. The all-new multiplex is designed and launched as a bouquet of three exclusive INSIGNIA auditoriums. All this makes movie viewing a complete delightful family outing.

Speaking on the occasion, Alok Tandon, CEO, INOX Leisure Ltd. says, "We have redefined the cinema viewing experience in India with 7-star cinema viewing concept and we take pride in being the pioneers. We are delighted to launch yet another INOX signature experience in Delhi which speaks of luxury and technology for a spectacular movie watching experience.

We are certain that our guests in Delhi will enjoy this INOX indulgence."

Atmos sound for guests to enjoy explosive sound coupled with 300% brighter images and vibrant 3D powered by Volfoni Systems

Just a Call Away!

Ultimate Relaxation & Luxury With exclusive seating capacity, all auditoriums have the special INSIGNIA recliners, crafted in Italian stitch-art leather with ample leg space, micro adjustable headrests and touch screen panel for controls.

Guests shall enjoy personalized services, starting with special reservations & dedicated phone lines.

In-theatre guests enjoy dedicated service with a butler-on-call to order their desired snacks.

Service at Style Making it Special One can experience 'A live food counter' serving Gourmet delights by expert chefs. The gourmet food experience has been curated and designed by Masterchef Vicky Ratnani thus making it a perfect pairing of gastronomy with movies.

Best of Sound & Projection All screens at INOX INSIGNIA at Epicuria are equipped with Laser projection. The theatres have Dolby

the movie. A combination of outdoor and indoor environment allowing plenty of room to unwind.

For the Outdoor Gala An outdoor seating area where guests can unwind and enjoy their favourite snacks before they go in for

The friendly and stylish staff provide impeccable service to guests donning uniforms crafted by celebrity designer Arjun Khanna.

Complete Fun experience Delivered A great place for get-togethers and parties which can be transformed into a private party lounge keeping in mind the uber luxurious, art deco interiors which set the tone for a grand movie watching experience.

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Cinépolis:

Mesmerizing Delhites for the Best

With its unmatched technology and comfortable ambience, it will certainly be the favourite spot for movie lovers. Cinépolis Saket will be the first multiplex by Cinépolis in North India to have a 4DX screen which is considered to be the biggest innovation in cinematic technology to date providing the largest number of multisensory effects among 4D cinema brands. In addition, the multiplex will also host RealD 3D, considered the most advanced technology for watching 3D films in theatres and Cinépolis is the only brand in India to host RealD 3D. As the frontrunner in the industry when it comes to technology, Cinépolis Saket will be the first multiplex by Cinépolis to have LED screens which will not only offer high dynamic range picture quality but also makes watching 3D movies more realistic through enhanced brightness and consistent colour amplification.

Cinépolis, India's 1st international and the world's 2nd largest movie theatre circuit, recently announced the launch of Cinépolis DLF Place, Saket. With the strategic move of opening multiplexes at prime locations, the launch of iconic Cinépolis Saket in DLF Place Saket, New Delhi will further strengthen its positioning among its customers and associates in the premium luxury multiplex industry.

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The launch of Cinépolis Saket creates an unmissable and exhilarating cinematic experience for the patrons of New Delhi with its completely new look in line with the international standards of Cinépolis. With its unmatched technology and comfortable ambience, it will certainly be the favourite spot for movie lovers. Cinépolis Saket will be the first multiplex by Cinépolis in North India to have a 4DX screen which is considered to be the biggest

innovation in cinematic technology to date. 4DX provides the largest number of multisensory effects among 4D cinema brands. In addition, the multiplex will also host RealD 3D, most advanced technology for watching 3D films in theatres and Cinépolis is the only brand in India to host RealD 3D. As the frontrunner in the industry when it comes to technology, Cinépolis Saket will be the first multiplex by Cinépolis to have LED screens which will not only

• INDIA PLEXING •

offer high dynamic range picture quality but also makes watching 3D movies more realistic through enhanced brightness and consistent colour amplification.

Speaking on this occasion Javier Sotomayor, Managing Director, Cinépolis Asia, said "The acquisition of DT Cinemas at prime locations in Saket and GK is of significant strategic value that further strengthens our position in India. Looking forward and expanding our wings, the focus now is to open more multiplexes in prime locations in metros and mini-metros. India is an important market for us and it is our constant endeavour to upgrade the cinematic experience by bringing the latest technology and customer engagement into the industry."

Devang Sampat, Director - Strategic Initiatives, Cinépolis India said, "The opening of Cinépolis Saket at the prime location of DLF Place Saket and further acquisition of DT Savitri, GK have endorsed our commitment towards the patrons and business associates. The erstwhile Saket cinema has a strong sentimental connect with the patrons of Delhi and with our presence there with brand's unmatched offerings, it will take the entertainment value to the next level.

We are expecting a huge footfall at the multiplex and are sure that patrons will be amazed by the experience at Cinépolis. Our cutting-edge technology combined with quality and distinctively comfortable ambience sets us apart and we are committed to providing the very same world-class cinema viewing experience to our discerning patrons across India."

Pushpa Bector, Head - DLF Shopping Malls said, "We are happy to have an iconic and world-class cinema chain - Cinépolis now being part of DLF Place Saket.

The mall is situated in the most premium location in Delhi and we associate with the best of the brands in the business. We hope that Cinépolis in its new version will complement the new mall and we look forward to an entertaining journey ahead."

With the opening of the Cinépolis Saket with 6 screens, Cinépolis total screen-count now stands at 348 screens with 87 multiplexes across India. The newly inaugurated, Cinépolis Saket has total a total capacity of 894 seats. The entire ambience, lighting and décor of Cinépolis Saket has been changed in line with the latest in-design philosophy by the international cinema chain, giving it a more premium luxury experience. The iconic 'Coffee Tree' will offer the movie connoisseurs an elaborate gourmet menu that serves a range of delectable food and beverages offering a plethora of cuisines from Italian to Mexican. The brand also offers a continuous customer engagement program through 'Club Cinépolis Program' that allows the patron to earn and burn points on movie tickets and F&B and has exclusive benefits of special screenings, meet & greet with stars and much more. The six-screen multiplex is equipped with RealD 3D and enhanced sound system in all its auditoriums. Cinépolis Saket further elevates the cinematic experience with 4DX, that stimulates all five senses with high-tech motion seats and special effects including wind, fog, lightning, bubbles, water, rain and scents, in both 2D and 3D formats.

Cinépolis India has created a strong footprint across 57 Indian cities with a strong presence in major metros: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Cinépolis extends a contemporary approach which seamlessly weaves the entire range of cherrypicked cinema formats from across the world under one roof offering an unmatched experience to all movie patrons.

• INDIA PLEXING •

NOVA Cinemaz:

To Rebrand & Redefine!

NOVA Cinema, the asset-light franchise model of UFO Moviez has been widely successful in creating a one-stop solution for the local populace to set-up movie theatres in their respective areas through a standardized model both in terms of infrastructure and experience. Offering an infrastructural boost to the Indian film industry, NOVA CINEMAZ has some exciting launches to share in the recent days extending its roots in the cities of Punjab and Maharashtra for the local cine-goers.

Climbing Up In Punjab

equipped with state-of-the-art Digital 7.1 sound for guests to enjoy impressive sound quality. It also capacitates quality viewing with 2K digital projection for enhancing the experience.

Located in Sanjeev Chowk, Fazilka, Abohar, Punjab, the two-screen property is a one-stop solution with regards to entertainment for local movie buffs and has a total seating capacity of 374 seats. With this addition, NOVA Cinemaz strengthens its growth in Punjab with nine screens in four properties. Super hit movies, Ashke (Punjabi), Mulk and Fanney Khan (Hindi) were showcased in its opening week.

OHM ORBIT NOVA Cinemaz offers a mix of Punjabi, Bollywood and Hollywood movies, all under one roof. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound & projection technology, OHM ORBIT NOVA Cinemaz has become the ideal movie theatre for the locales of Fazilka. It seamlessly melds the best of luxury and technology.

The features of the cinema include: •

Ambient Interiors - The experience envelops guests on arrival with State-of-the-art movie-viewing experience and sets a tone for a grandeur experience.

•

Comfortable Seating - Both the

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auditoriums have plush, opulent sofa seats and ample legroom considering the convenience of their audience.

•

The Best in Technology - Both of these NOVA screens are

•

Seating Capacity - Both the auditoriums put together has a seating capacity of 374 seats, precisely stating187 seats in each of the auditoriums.

•

Appetizing Snacks Options

•

Trained Ushers and Housekeeping Staff - Adding to

• INDIA PLEXING • the pleasant movie-viewing experience, the ushers and staff are well-trained in the sectors of ultimate hospitality.

OHM ORBIT NOVA Cinemaz is NOVA Cinemaz' thirteenth cinema for its franchise brand and its fourth in Punjab. The other properties in Punjab are Neelam NOVA Cinemaz (Moga, Punjab), 4G NOVA Cinemaz (Mullanpur, Punjab) and NOVA Cinemaz (Doraha, Punjab). Also, the other NOVA properties across India include - Raj NOVA Cinemaz (Karjat, Maharashtra), Niharika NOVA Cinemaz (Korba, Chhattisgarh), Vimal NOVA Cinemaz (Dhamtri, Chhattisgarh), Vinay NOVA Cinemaz (Balod, Chhattisgarh), Shivashakti NOVA Cinemaz(Betul, Madhya Pradesh), Kantishiva NOVA Cinemaz (Sarni, Madhya Pradesh), Pearl NOVA Cinemaz (Palampur, Himachal Pradesh), Aradhya Nova Cinemaz (Mundra, Gujarat) and Prabhat NOVA Cinemaz (Raipur, Chhattisgarh).

With the launch of OHM Orbit NOVA Cinemaz, NOVACinemaz is now present in 13 cities having 13 properties, 26 screens and has a total seating capacity of 6756 seats.

NOVA Cinemaz, an asset-light franchise model, is envisaged to stabilize the demand-supply gap in the local cinema business. The aim of NOVA is to make the movie-going experience affordable, more entertaining and easily accessible.

NOVA Cinemaz encourages local

entrepreneurs toown and operate NOVA branded theatres in various parts of the country. As per the arrangement, the franchise shall make the primary investment, and UFO shall ensure that the theatre is set up at a competitive cost.

Re-Branding the Classic

re-opened recently and will screen Hindi movies Badhaai Ho & Namaste England in its opening week. With this addition, NOVA CINEMAZ strengthens its growth in Maharashtra with an aim to give the best-in-class facilities and the best quality of movie-viewing experience to its patrons.

Boasting of lush interiors with world-class amenities and impeccably blending the finest of luxury and technology, whilst keeping it simple and ambient, the all-new theatre in Nagpur strengthens its growth in Maharashtra with an aim to give the best-in-class facilities and the best quality of movie-viewing experience to its patrons.

NOVA CINEMAZ at Mahal, Nagpur will offer an array of Marathi and Hindi movies, all under one roof. The all-new theatre in Nagpur boasts of lush interiors with world-class amenities and impeccably blends the finest of luxury and technology, whilst keeping it simple and ambient.

UFO Moviez' Franchise brand NOVA CINEMAZ, renovates Nagpur's iconic single-screen cinema Rajvilas Talkies and rebrands it as NOVA CINEMAZ. Located on Keli Baug Road, Mahal, Nagpur, the developed property has

The experience envelops guests on arrival with state-of-the-art movieviewing experience and sets itself apart for the grandiosity.

Ambient Interiors

Comfortable Seating The auditorium has lavish, opulent seats and ample legroom for comfort seating.

The Best in Technology It is equipped with advanced Digital sound for the patrons to relish impressive sound quality. It also capacitates quality viewing with the Digital projector for enhancing the experience.

Seating Capacity It has a seating capacity of 432 seats.

December 2018 - February 2019

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• INDIA PLEXING •

Mighlani Cinema:

Joining Hands Towards Making Memories

Known for years as the finest family destination in Moradabad, Mighlani Cinema has a memoir of Heritage present in the City, remembered as one of the most Iconic, customer oriented and popular cinema has now joined hands with India's fastest growing Multiplex Chain "Movie Time". This 979 seater single-screen is now metamorphosed into 558 seater 3 screen state-of-art Multiplex.

Known for years as the finest family destination in Moradabad, Mighlani Cinema has a memoir of Heritage present in the City, remembered as one of the most Iconic, customer oriented and popular cinema for decades established in the year 1977

by Raghunath Mighlani who also have interest and business of Handicraft Export. The first screening in this theatre was Dharmveer, starring the superstar Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman with Jitender, Neetu Singh and Pran. Since then this cinema has completed many milestones with the screening of

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Diamond jubilee weeks of Trishul, Raj Hindustani, Karan Arjun and many more.

Shikhar Mighlani the second generation in the line of promoters in 2017 planned to convert this into Multiplex and joined hands with India's fastest growing Multiplex Chain "MovieTime" This 979 seater single screen is now metamorphosed into 558 seaters 3 screen state-of-art Multiplex.

This cinema has passed multiple challenges in terms of construction and technical sectors, since this

cinema is converted retaining the heritage look intact lots of challenges were faced from addition of Elevator in cinema for comfort of senior citizen and to optimize the space since cinema is spread on 21,653 sq ft on two levels with multiple food kiosks and concession counters. Patrons are never away from munchies to match world-class cinema experience.

The new Multiplex will have recliners that are the first of its kind in

• INDIA PLEXING • Moradabad, Latest projection system, 3D enable screens with ultra HD picture quality, real-life thrilling sound and magnificent lobby space, custommade lobby interior and advanced technological integration both on and off screen. The lobby is adorned with beautifully crafted concession area serving mouth-watering snacks and beverages, the complex offer digital ticketing solution to promote wait-free cinema entry.

Moradabad has already tasted the Multiplex quality with Waves Cinema and PVR Cinemas so the biggest challenge was to offer something different which not only shall add to its stunning interiors but the comfort in form of recliner seats and delicately placed amenities which is handy as well as pocket-friendly to Cinema Lovers of Moradabad.

As per Ankit Kapoor, CEO and Director, New Business Initiative,"The new theatre is not reminiscent of the heritage that Mighlani Cinema stood for, but we hope it gives fresh memories to the new generation of Cinegoers."

December 2018 - February 2019

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Mukunda Cinemas:

Standing Strong as Iron

Standalone cinemas have been on the decline over the past decade as multiplexes today continue to expand in aspects of Luxury and potential. One single-screen cinema that has managed to withstand with the test of time, despite fierce competition is Mukunda cinemas, located in Bengaluru. Being the first single-screen cinemas in India to have installed dual projection 2K 3D Christie projector with Harkness Screen in 2007 and also having been the first cinema in Karnataka to provide Dolby Atmos Surround sound experience, Mukunda cinema maintains its steady customers due to the ambient quality and cinema experience it provides despite the growing competition with the other multiplexes.

Initiated by N. Muniswamappa on 9 January 1976, the cinema was built with no architectural and technological knowledge of any kind, but with a passion towards the cinema industry. Though there is tough completion our there for the cinema industry, even today the building hasn't had prompt changes with regards to its architecture, rather has only developed through the years to meet the latest technology and growth in the cinema exhibition industry. Mukunda Cinemas has been passed on through generations and is currently run by the founders' grandson, G. Venkatesh Reddy, the managing director.

G.Venkatesh Reddy passion about the movie industry led him to consistently lookout for the newest discoveries in technology and is enthusiastic about incorporating the latest technology in his cinema adding to the high-end cinema experience. It was the ever first single screen cinema in India to install dual projection 2K 3D Christie projectors

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with Harkness Screen in 2007 and was also the first cinema in the state of Karnataka to provide Dolby Atmos Surround sound experience, which now is recently upgraded to provide 4K Christi Dolby Atmos. The interiors and the design concepts have been created in-house, drawing inspiration from cinemas around the globe.

A continuous upgrade in both

technological and infrastructural aspects to exceed the customer requirement is what G.Venkatesh Reddy strongly believes in. Despite the growing competition withthe other multiplexes, Mukunda Cinemas maintains its steady customers due to the quality and cinema experience it provides. The tickets and F&B segments have always been

• INDIA PLEXING • reasonably priced hence getting customers more inclined to an assured comeback.

Mukunda Cinemas runs movies in many different languages, namely English, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil. Bangalore being a metropolitan city has a diverse population, and the cinema being situated in Bangalore East has many regular and loyal customers to whom the cinema caters to running movies in varied languages.

Over the years, single-screen cinemas have been on the decline, not only have they been overshadowed in popularity as well as patronship by the multiplexes, but they had to reinvent themselves to survive in this tough business. However, with their regular and consistent and innovative developments in the latest technology and their belief in entertaining customers, Mukunda Cinemas remains one of Bengaluru's oldest single-screen cinemas.

December 2018 - February 2019

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• INDIA PLEXING •

Pan Cinemas:

Scales New Heights in Alappuzha

Alappuzha, widely considered as a backward area with regards to cinema exhibition until recently, got its first state-of-the-art cinema when Pan Cinemas opened their first venture in the district in August 2018.

Situated along Vaikkom Road, the Pan Cinemas has two Galatite 2.4 Prism and one 2.7 Mirage screens with a capacity of 658 seats, offering two NEC 1000 and one BARCO 4 K projection with CP 750 and Dolby Atmos 850 sound system, supported

by Crown amplifiers and JBL speakers. The district, which has witnessed some of the most notable Malayalam film projects by just playing host to Udaya Studios, returns to the limelight with the new facility.

Pan Cinemas Alappuzha was opened to the public recently, thus bringing the district its first modern movie

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theatre. The project, promoted by Pallikamalil Cinema Company (PCC), is their second venture in the state of Kerala. The first one, a twin-screen multiplex located in Nucleus Mall, Kochi, was the first cinema in the city to offer Dolby Atmos system.

Following the success of their inaugural endeavour, PCC moved to

the neighbouring district of Alappuzha where they embarked on a project of converting the defunct movie house, "Vidya", which was a 1000-seater facility with a 45 feet screen and a modern theatre when it was built by Viswanathan in 1980.

PCC took over the 20,000 sq. ft. cinema housed in 120 cents of land

• INDIA PLEXING • in September 2017 and without disturbing the footprint of the building, incorporated 3 screens with a total capacity of 658 seats.

Accommodating 3 screens within the existing plinth area posed an architectural challenge. In order to achieve this, the balcony space was extended by providing additional pillars where 2 screens (Screens 1 and 2) were positioned while the third and larger screen occupied the general seating area of the old theatre. The smaller two screens have seating capacities of 178 and 180 each and the large screen can accommodate 300 viewers. The projection room of the old theatre was converted to hold the projection rooms of screens 1 and 2, by dividing it into two. Behind the screens of the smaller auditorium, a room was set up at a height of 9 feet from the last row, for housing the projection facilities for the large auditorium. All the three Galalite (2.4 Prism & 2.7 Mirage) screens are equipped with NEC 1000 and BARCO 4 K projectors and CP 750 Dolby and 850 Dolby Atmos processors and the sound system consists of Crown amplifiers with sound delivery accomplished through JBL speakers.

The main door of the complex opens to a spacious lobby and a concession area with a kitchen. The entry to the three auditoria is towards the left of the lobby. The two stairways of the existing facility were retained for an exit from the smaller auditorium while the large screen has two exits, directly opening to the ground.

It required wholehearted cooperation from many to make the project a successful one. Qube, who supplied the projection system and Cinetech (Chennai), who provided the sound system were prompt in their delivery and supportive in installation. BlueStar handled the climate control arrangements, the seating was provided by Joji and the UPS system was installed by Suntronix.

Besides the architectural challenge,

the project faced many other hardships, the most notable among them being the persistent interference by the various trade unions. Further, the floods that played havoc with normal life in many parts of the state, especially the southern regions, caused further losses and delays when the work was almost completed. Finally, the complex was opened to the public in August 2018, dedicated to the exhibition of movies in all languages, particularly, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, English and Telugu.

Alappuzha, being a district with comparatively lower per capita income levels, will not afford high ticket rates, hence the rates have been kept at reasonable levels. The other cinemas in the city such as Pankaj, Seethas, Kairali & Sree, Raiban and Seematti, have antiquated canteen facilities but Pan Cinemas, with its modern concession area, expect considerable business from this segment.

Situated within a stone's throw from the District Courts at Kaichoondi

Mukku, along Vaikkom Road, the complex offers easy access from all parts of the city. An extensive car parking area is available for hassle-free parking of vehicles.

Pan Cinemas has also the M-Ticketing facility, which is a convenient alternative to purchasing tickets from the counters. Late night shows, starting at 10.30 or 11pm, are also being tried so that early morning screening may be avoided. The complex has already started attracting widespread attention, its 4K projection and Dolby Atmos surround sound systembeing two of the main attractions.

Most of the so-called canteens associated with cinemas rely on bakeries and other small suppliers of food for their inventory. The eatery at Pan Cinemas has bucked the trend and is a reliable source of quality food, prepared at a well-equipped kitchen attached to it. An impressively laid out area, an exhaustive menu and an endearing ambience promise to make the place another of the star attractions of Pan Cinemas Alappuzha.

December 2018 - February 2019

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• HERITAGE PLEX •

Aurora Talkies:

The Story Behind the Insanity Celebrated Today Though being around 76 years old, the cinema is well-equipped with a comfortable seating capacity for 700, surprisingly good air-conditioning, Dolby Atmos and top-the-list, the facility of online-ticketing for the movie patrons too which is completely newage to exclaim so. From experiencing maddening fans gushing through for the South-Indian megastar blockbuster movies evidently, to having spent over 3 dedicated decades to the cinema, TheatreWorld catches up with Nambi Rajan of Aurora Talkies for more…

Housing multiple cultural centres, the most populous city, Matunga located in the heart of Mumbai has yet another exceptional landmark with the successful running of one among the oldest single-screen cinemas on its list - The Aurora Talkies! Playing films in five languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Marathi, Aurora is certainly a-sure-to-go place for a movie-lover desiring to watch any South-Indian film. "Even today if one has to watch a mass movie or any commercial blockbuster movie, its got to be in a single-screen only!

Big screen, a large auditorium with lots of people around... That ambience is something different and is forever unmatched!", Nambi Rajan exclaims.

In 1942, Aurora became a popular destination for people looking to watch English films. In 1943, it

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introduced Tamil films in the matinee show, catering to Tamilians around Matunga. For years, Aurora Cinema has served as a bastion of Tamil cinema in Mumbai, besides screening films in Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Marathi. For Rajini fans, it resembles a common arena of celebration, a concert ground dedicated to the mega moviestar of Indian cinema. In keeping with the tradition, Rajinikanth fans would flock to the theatre to perform a

bhopla (pumpkin) aarti and the pal abhishekam (milk offering) with utmost respect to ward off any evil eye on their beloved ‘Thalaivar’.

The construction was initiated in the year 1938 and was completed by 1942. Ever since then, the Tamil movies were the only ones to be promoted. Nambi Rajan says, "Any Tamilian or a South-Indian in the city will know that they could blindly come for a Tamil movie at

• HERITAGE PLEX • sharp 12 noon. The reason being, the people would come out for lunch during that hour to the nearby eateries and found it convenient to watch a movie and then head back.

Though there were other show timings that played Tamil movies as well but the 12pm slot was a fixed one." Once the initial multiplexes emerged in the industry, the synced strategy of playing single shows was being imbibed. The show timings have been allotted in a way where the working class could also find it convenient to go watch a movie at Aurora.

The Early Days: There was a time when the movies were not simultaneously released throughout. For instance, once a movie released in Chennai, the print would be brought to Mumbai only after 14-25 weeks depending on its commercial which to further elaborate, would arrive in damaged and rather sad conditions due to the rains. It went on to be all the more critical till the 80's as there were no satellites and the Indian classical channel "Doordarshan" would play Tamil movies on a very rare note.

Wondering over the issue, Rajan then decides to take the initiative to take the decision to release the movies simultaneously.

He says, "The blockbuster movie Oomai Vizhikal that was famous for its controversial theme had come to the regional office of the Central board in Mumbai for certification.

The movie was played to Sunil Dutt, who then happened to be the Regional Censor Board member at that time and I was allowed to watch the movie too. Vijaykanth, the hero of the movie and the then political actor asked me if I could release the movie here in Mumbai. Though I was at the learning stages in this industry, I released my first movie in the year 1988 with the help of the owners of Aurora Cinemas. The movie surprisingly earned good collection making it a blockbuster. And that's

Nambi Rajan spent over three fruitful decades of his life standing by Aurora through its thick and thinever since the year 1985. He recalls the untiring efforts put in to renovate the talkies with the air conditioning for the best sound system to work its magic at that time during the release of Titanic (1994). After six weeks, Titanic was released in Aurora and gave upto thirteen weeks of mind-boggling business.Thirty-two doors were made as there were no doors but just black curtains in order to prevent light from showing up inside. Air conditioning wasrevamped by ALTAS, replacing the old air-coolers at that time when it was more critical to even place a nail on any of the corners.

Welding and efficient renovations were done on full swing to make Aurora stand strong and for what it is today. With Nambi Rajan's support and unconditional love from a million celebrating the cinema, Aurora fights to stay up and never to go down to dust. when I stepped into Distribution.

Before releasing the next movie ie., Baghyaraj's; Chinna Veedu, I approached Mani Ratnam's younger brother popularly known as GV who is still considered as one of the greatest producers in the SouthIndian Film Industry for a talk on releasing the movie simultaneously in Tamil Nadu and Mumbai. Having made a convincing agreement, the print was finally made for North India as well. "Thalapathi", starring

mega Superstars, Rajinikanth and Mamooty created history in Aurora Talkies and also in Metro cinemas, Eros Cinemas and Regal Cinemas which resided right aroundthe nearby circumference."

Nambi Rajan recalls the auditoriums being housefull for the first 12 Sundays making a collection of something more than the North Indian Cinemas had expected. He took a risk which only favoured him a good result in the end. Since then, December 2018 - February 2019

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• HERITAGE PLEX • all movies were released simultaneously, starting from Shivaji, Endhiran to Vaada Chennai up until now. Roughly about 700 Tamil movies have been released in the Northern sector keeping aside yet another long list of movies from other regional languages as well.

"It is a big and good market provided one is patient. Experience is a crucial factor to judge the movie at that time as the distributors were privileged to watch the movie before in hand by the producers for opinions. But nowadays it's almost like a gamble and a for which a calculative risk must be taken without a choice." he says.

Architectural Retainment: One of the certain reasons being that renovating one of the oldest and largest single-screen theatres in India would require huge amounts of funds to be pumped in. And another factor is that it still looks just the way it was years ago. Though being aware that converting this singlescreen beauty to a multiplex is practically difficult, they still welcome the initiative to help make Aurora a better place provided the government shows up for help.

Movies and Business All the blockbusters have been played here. Shivaji, Robot, Deveramagan, Roja with all of them soaring high past 100 days. Before the arrival of satellites, the distributors would wait for months before to hold slots for their upcoming movies. But as seen today, the business changes every third day as its quite unpredictable. Rajan recalls how the movie Ek Duuje Ke Liye ran for 25 weeks and Titanic for 15 weeks in Aurora and says, "Now the moviegoers are spoilt with choices as there so many screens in a single area. So the business that used to be estimated for and executed in ten weeks is now done in a week's span alone. And that's a humongous difference!

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• HERITAGE PLEX • The Recent Effect of Tollywood's Strike: Though the strike on film releases lasted only for upto two weeks, the strike had a greater impact on the production sector, the production was completely stopped. But in accordance to all that, the strike did not serve the purpose right. The digital content charges only went high after the strike.

Challenges: In 80's, Tamil Movies were played at twelve noon. And Hindi movies around 3pm, 6pm and 9pm for which a single print roughly costed about 80,000. Up until then, things ran smoothly but not for long as the multiplexes emerged into the business. The distributors would say "Humko Aurora Nahin Chahiye" (we don't opt for Aurora) but would rather find it convincing to put it on the multiplexes. Nambi Rajan then asked for one share and the same to be divided until the digital print came into the market.

"They didn't give me Hindi so thought of playing Telugu movies.

With eminent cost factors, producer & distributors felt it more convenient to approach multiplexes. And that's when the thought of playing regional movies in Aurora began.

And as Telugu movies started playing, it went bumper. Then Malayalam movies came into the run.

With this sort of successfully running shows in the theatre, I finally succeeded to get Hindi movies as well." He says.

Sound, Seating and Staff: The systems were initially that of Mono sound, then to DTS and now with Dolby. The audience has been enjoying the movies ever-since then with hardly anything to complain about. Forty people have been recruited with each having their own calibre and experience in their field of work. The cinema has a total seating capacity of 700 people.

December 2018 - February 2019

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• INDIA PLEXING •

PVR ICON, Chennai:

On the Journey to World-Class

Opening the doors to its most opulent sub-brand with a 10-screen multiplex, the brand new PVR ICON will ensure a world-class movie-going experience for the audiences in Chennai. Housing 10 state-of-the-art auditoriums, the new cinema offers a total seating capacity of 2,590 featuring cutting-edge technology by bringing PVR's homegrown large screen format, P[XL] equipped with RGB Laser projection system and the immersive sound technology of Dolby ATMOS surround sound all set to enthral the audience.

PVR Cinemas, the largest and the most premium film exhibition company in India, announced the launch of its first 'PVR ICON' at VR Chennai in Anna Nagar recently.

Opening the doors to its most opulent sub-brand with a 10-screen multiplex, the brand new PVR ICON will ensure a world-class movie-going experience for the audiences in Chennai. This opening in Chennai brings PVR Cinemas to a count of 74 screens at 13 properties in the state of Tamil Nadu and 246 screens across 41 properties in Southern India.

Housing 10 state-of-the-art auditoriums, the new PVR ICON offers a total seating capacity of 2,590. The cinema features cuttingedge technology by bringing PVR's homegrown large screen format, P[XL] equipped with RGB Laser projection system and the immersive sound technology of Dolby ATMOS

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surround sound. The remaining 9 auditoriums of PVR ICON will offer 4K projection system along with NextGen 3D experience and ultimate sound technology.

Addressing the media, Sanjeev Bijli, Joint Managing Director, PVR Ltd, said, "It is extremely gratifying to

• INDIA PLEXING • introduce an advanced and luxurious cinema experience to our patrons in Chennai. This, combined with the SPI food experience, will mark the beginning of a brand new chapter for cinemagoers in Chennai. With the launch of PVR ICON, we yet again demonstrate our commitment towards the Southern market. This is only a stepping stone to the expansion plan(s) ensuring world standards of cinematic experience across the country."

ceilings, enamelled lighting, and antique gold accents are just a few of the highlights of the design. The property also features an exclusive P[XL] lounge, a well-crafted, comfortable space for customers to unwind, complete with a range of bar stools, marble tables, plush sofas, and a dedicated concessionaire. Other amenities include automated Quick-Tix

kiosks, which offer the much-needed respite from long queues. Services like free Wi-Fi, Portable Chargers, Pillow & Duvet, Spectacle Cleaning and WhatsApp for instant feedback will be offered and tended to by a team of hospitable staff.

What makes this particular ICON even more special is that it is the first time India's largest multiplex chain

Speaking on the occasion, Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Ltd, said, "This is a significant opening for us here in Chennai. We always aim to step ahead in providing premium services to our patrons. The property with its stunning aesthetics stands tall as one of the most unique properties of PVR Cinemas and we are excited for customers to experience it."

At the new PVR ICON, grandeur awaits customers as they walk in through the 80,633 sq. ft. space is done up in classic art deco style. Lobby spaces with intricate marble flooring, mirrored

December 2018 - February 2019

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• INDIA PLEXING • will incorporate some of the most cherished amenities and F&B favourites from recently acquired, SPI Cinemas. The F&B line up will include SPI's signature popcorn, delicious and refreshing cold coffee, flaky puffs, and sinfully decadent doughnuts along with other gourmet delicacies.

With this opening, PVR stands at a total screen count of 727 screens at 156 properties in 61 cities.

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December 2018 - February 2019