8 minute read

Galalite Introduces Mirage XDL 1.5: The Next Evolution in Cinema Screens

Galalite, a renowned Indian cinema screen manufacturing company, is delighted to announce the launch of its latest product, the Mirage XDL 1.5. Building upon the immense success of the Mirage XDL 1.2, which revolutionised the industry by addressing the RGB speckle issue, Galalite then received feedback from various projector manufacturers who acknowledged Galalite as a pioneer in the speckle-free screen industry. The feedback highlighted their need for a slightly higher screen gain for larger screen sizes. In response to this demand, Galalite has introduced the Mirage XDL 1.5, a laser projector screen with a screen gain of 1.5. And specially crafted to reduce speckles in laser projections while maximising onscreen black levels and offering viewers unparalleled clarity.

The Mirage XDL 1.5 marks a significant advancement in projection screen technology, particularly for RGB laser projections. This revolutionary screen is set to transform the cinema experience for audiences worldwide. Equipped with Galalite's proprietary Lensray technology, the Mirage XDL 1.5 reduces visual noise, improves viewing angles, and scatters light up to 20%, effectively minimising hot spotting and enhancing the overall movie-watching experience. Yusuf Galabhaiwala, Director of Operations at Galalite, stated, "We always listen to our customers and provide them with cutting-edge solutions. Our goal is to provide cinema enthusiasts with an immersive and visually stunning experience, transporting them to another realm."

Advertisement

Sirnaush Whyte, General Manager of Galalite, added, "The Mirage XDL 1.5 is a game-changer for laser projections. Its unique features and exceptional quality make it an ideal choice for cinema theatres seeking next-generation screens. We are confident that this innovative product will set new industry standards and elevate the movie-viewing experience. Upgrade to Galalite and see the difference yourself."

For 60 years, Galalite has been a trusted name in the cinema industry, supplying projection screens to major digital and large-format cinema service providers worldwide. Their relentless pursuit of innovation and adherence to global trends and technologies have solidified their position as a leading player in the market. Galalite's mission is not only to enable audiences to see cinema but also to make them truly feel it.

The Mirage XDL 1.5 is set to revolutionize the cinema screen market and provide an unparalleled viewing experience for movie enthusiasts. With Galalite's commitment to quality and innovation, the future of cinema projection screens looks brighter than ever.

Cinépolis India Continues to Incorporate all of Dolby's Products for its Sites

Over the years cinemas have grown and developed to accustom new technology and amenities enhancing the entire experience of watching a movie making it unique. Cinépolis India is the 1st international exhibitor in India. Operating 422+ screens under the brand names of Cinépolis, Cinépolis VIP, Cinépolis Junior, Cinépolis MacroXE and Fun CinemasCinépolis continues to build its empire and works to bring home the feeling of luxury to its audience. Dolby and Cinépolis are close partners, who have brought premium cinematic experience to movie patrons worldwide, by developing a wide range of Dolby's superior products that include speakers, servers, amplifiers & processors.

Cinépolis in India continues to incorporate all of Dolby's products for its sites. Working together for past couple of years, Cinépolis and Dolby have always delivered exceptional cinematic experience, and this extended understanding in India further solidifies their commitment to providing moviegoers with the best audio experience at Cinépolis.

Additionally, here are a few details for your reference:

•Cinépolis has the largest deployment of Dolby Multichannel Amplifiers in India.

•Currently, over 95% of Cinépolis Screens in India are running on Dolby Integrated Media Servers [IMS3000]

•Flagship Cinépolis sites in India are with a range of Dolby products that includes speakers, amplifiers, and Dolby Integrated Media Servers:

Cinépolis - Seawoods Grand Central Mall (This is the site which has the highest box office for CinépolisinIndia)

Cinépolis:PacificNSP2,Delhi

Cinépolis,LuluMall,Bangalore

Cinépolis, Modi Mall (Spice Mall) Noida.

Four sites of Cinépolis are under installation currently.

•Indian moviegoers can continue to enjoy Dolby Atmos at select Cinépolis screens across India.

With its top-notch immersive audio technology, Dolby Atmos is a leading feature for any new sound bar or home theatre system. It creates virtual height and side channels, providing the illusion of crisp and authentic sound coming from around you. Their objective is to teleport the viewer into the movie or concert as if they were present there, giving you the most unparalleled entertainment experience.

SVF Cinemas Debuts in Malda

SVF Cinemas debuts in Malda with a state-of-the-art movie theatre that features three screens, with plush interiors and recliner seats and a 35mm signature café, providing a special cinematic experience. This addition brings the total number of SVF Cinemas properties to 18, with this being the fourth one in North Bengal. The facility comprises three screens, with one already operational and the other two scheduled to start soon. The cinema can accommodate up to 194 patrons, with 19 luxurious recliners, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience.

The multiplex provides a fully operational concession counter where movie-goers can indulge in a variety of snacks and beverages along with the signature 35 MM Café where patrons can enjoy food and drinks before or after the movie. The cinema is wellequipped with a high-end Dolby Digital 7.1 sound system, a 2K and 3D projection system, and is fully air- conditioned, delivering an outstanding cinematic experience for the audience of Malda.

"The opening of a cinema hall is not just a celebration of entertainment, but a moment of bringing people together to experience the magic of storytelling on the big screen. We opened not just a cinema hall, but a portal into a world of immersive entertainment. With cutting-edge technology and luxurious amenities, we aim to provide our patrons with an unforgettable movie-going experience. We are excited to be at the forefront of this cinematic revolution, and we invite you all to join us on this thrilling journey," said Rudra Prosad Daw, business head, SVF Cinemas.

With locations in Bolpur, Purulia, Krishnanagar, Narendrapur, Baruipur, Haldia, Jalpaiguri, Durgapur, Dhaniakhali, Chinsurah, Tezpur, Coochbehar, Kalna, Raiganj, Mogra and Sheoraphuli, the goal of SVF Cinemas is to transform the cinema experience in every corner of this region by constantly innovating and updating technology for local audiences, to convert traditional single-screen cinemas into mixed-use facilities with multiple screens while providing high-quality amenities across 18 properties and 37 screens. SVF Cinemas launched its first-ever establishment in Malda with the opening of its state-of-the-art multiplex, in association with Malda Projects located at City Centre Mall.

Suzume Collects INR 10 Crore at the Indian Box Office

Japanese animated movie 'Suzume' has collected over INR 10 crore at the Indian box office, PVR INOX Pictures has said. The animated fantasy adventure released in the theatres countrywide mid-summer. It is distributed by PVR INOX Pictures. Koji Sato, Director General of Japan Foundation New Delhi, said "We are very happy to hear that many Indian people enjoyed the beautiful masterpiece 'Suzume'." 'Suzume' follows the story of 17-year-old high school students Suzume Iwato and Souta Munakata, who team up to prevent a series of disasters across Japan. The movie, which was released in Japan last November, is among the top 10 highest-grossing Japanese films of all time "We at PVR INOX Pictures are excited to bring this fascinating world of Anime to our enthusiastic movie buffs," said Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR INOX Pictures.

"The Indian 'Otakus' have welcomed this distinctive storytelling method, colourful graphics, and cultural intricacies portrayed in anime, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture. We look forward to showcasing more of such exemplary work in the upcoming times," he added.

South Film Industry Revenue Jumps Over a Year Since 2022

The CII report said that the Tamil film industry topped the list with INR 2,950 crores in revenues followed by Telugu at INR 2,500 crores, Kannada at INR 1,570 crores, and Malayalam at INR 816 crores. Revenues of the South Indian film industry have nearly doubled year-onyear to over INR 7,000 crores in 2022, which accounts for 52 per cent of revenues of the pan-Indian film industry, according to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern region. The report 'South India: Setting Benchmarks for the Nation in Media & Entertainment' was released at the inaugural session of the second edition of CII DAKSHIN, a two-day summit for the media and entertainment industry in South India. As per the report, revenues of the South Indian film industry comprising Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam almost doubled to INR 7,836 crore in 2022 from INR 3,988 crore in 2021. Revenues of the Indian film industry in 2022 are pegged at INR 15,000 crore. Within the southern market, the Tamil film industry topped the list with INR 2,950 crore in revenues followed by Telugu (INR 2,500 crore), Kannada (INR 1,570 crore), and Malayalam (INR 816 crore). The report said Tamil and Telugu film industries were dominating the South Indian film business a few years ago. But it all changed in 2022 with the release of several blockbusters films in other languages as well.

"Kannada films 'KGF: Chapter 2' and 'Kantara' redefined the market scope of Kannada cinema by registering never-imagined box office collection numbers while Malayalam cinema grew well both in domestic and overseas theatrical markets," the report noted. The report added that director SS Rajamouli's RRR alone earned INR 1,200 crore at the box office for

Telugu cinema, the back-to-back hits of Kamal Haasan's Vikram and Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvam (part 1) bolstered the Tamil cinema collections.

Lone Bengal Theatre, Receives Good BO

Response for 'Kerala Story'

While theatre owners in other halls have not shown the willingness to show the movie, a cinema hall in Bongaon town in North 24 Parganas district near the India-Bangladesh border is screening the movie since May this year. 'The Kerala Story' movie is being screened in only one theatre in West Bengal but it is evoking a good response from the audience, an official of the Eastern India Motion Picture Association (EIMPA) said on Thursday. The Supreme Court recently set aside the West Bengal government's ban on screening of the controversial movie in the state. The Mamata Banerjee administration, while imposing the ban on May, had cited fears that the movie, if screened in theatres, could fan communal passions. While theatre owners in other halls have not shown the willingness to show the movie, a cinema hall in Bongaon town in North 24 Parganas district near the IndiaBangladesh border is screening the movie since May, with a disclaimer that the 'narratives are based on fictional accounts'.

"Sreema Cinema Hall on Ramnagar Road in Bongaon, around 75 km from Kolkata, is screening the movie but we do not have knowledge whether any other theatre in the state is showing the film," the office-bearer of EIMPA, the apex body of cinema hall owners and distributors of the eastern region, told PTI. After the state government imposed the ban on the film's screening, around 60 halls showing it started allotting its slots to other Bengali, Hindi and English movies and now, barring one, all cite the inability to resume screening, he said.

"We offered them several time slots but they did not show any inclination to screen the film," he said. Satadip Saha, on behalf of the film's distributors SSR Cinema, said, "The movie is being screened in only one theatre despite us assuring the hall owners that they would not face any legal hurdle if they screen the movie after May." Ratan Saha, chairman of the exhibition section of EIMPA, in an earlier letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, wrote, "Currently cinema halls are struggling as audiences are not coming to theatres in large numbers. However, 'The Kerala Story' had a successful three-day run giving some relief to the hall owners. So, I request you to make arrangements to facilitate the screening of the film in the state for the interest of cinema." Ratan Saha, who is also a co-owner of Ajanta Cinema in South Calcutta, said, "It is up to the respective hall owner to take the decision (to screen the movie), the EIPMA cannot ask them to. As far as I know, the distributors are ready if any other hall owner shows interest." The movie's director Sudipto Sen, in a press conference in Calcutta on May, had claimed that many hall owners have informed him that they were threatened and asked not to screen the film. He had said that the movie will certainly be released on OTT platforms later but it was "meant for viewing on the large screen".