TheatreMagic ::: December 2023 - February 2024

Miraj Cinemas Launches with Self-Service Kiosks their seats. We extend a warm invitation to join us at Miraj Cinemas R-Mall in Mulund, where whether you're a cinephile or a culinary enthusiast, our Jain Corner promises to enchant your senses."

Miraj Cinemas has launched its latest multiplex in Mumbai, bringing India's third-largest cinema chain (which is also 100% vegetarian) to 60 cinemas nationwide. Digital payment and cashless options are available, and customers can order at Pop Express kiosks, which are located throughout the multiplex. Located on the third floor of R Mall in Mulund West, the cinema contains four 3D-equipped movie screens and seating for up to 1,276 people, featuring Dolby Atmos sound systems along with laser projection technology.

Unique attractions include ‘The Beanery Cafe’ offering food and drink, along with the ‘Chef Corner,’ which provides chef-prepared, made-toorder dishes for moviegoers, with options including international and gluten-free offerings along with Jain cuisine. "In a significant leap forward, Miraj Cinemas is thrilled to unveil an exclusive Jain gourmet menu at our newly inaugurated Mulund location," Bhuvnesh Mendiratta, COO at Miraj Entertainment, said in the release. "This landmark achievement solidifies our status as the first 100% vegetarian national cinema chain to offer this unique culinary experience.

Our 'Jain Corner' presents an irresistible selection of Jain-friendly delicacies meticulously crafted to adhere to the most stringent dietary guidelines. This culinary innovation empowers our patrons to savour a superior cinematic and dining experience, all from the comfort of

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First Dolby Authorised Service Centre in India Dolby Laboratories joins hands with Qube Cinema as its authorised service partner for all of its cinema products.

The fully trained team at Qube’s facility in Chennai will undertake service of Dolby’s speakers, amplifiers, and cinema servers. Both partners aim to deliver better value to their exhibitor customers through quality service and quick turnarounds. The event graced the esteemed presence of Brad Hohle, Sr. Director, WW Cinema and Group Entertainment Support Services, Dolby Laboratories and Senthil Kumar, Cofounder, Qube Cinema.

Brad on the partnership says, “Last time about 5 years ago when I visited India, customers expressed that they would really like quicker turnouts with the equipment repairs and more local servicing. My meeting with Senthil however sparked up the idea to utilise Qube services and rest is history towards a great partnership.”

Senthil Kumar comments, “Dolby is one of the companies that all of us at Qube greatly admire. We had this opportunity to collaborate with Dolby to introduce Atmos in India. And that partnership has grown now, over the years. We’ve been selling a lot of products for Dolby- from speakers, amplifiers, cinema processors to IMS server. And we could see that for our customers to benefit from us, we needed to have the entire support also located within India; considering the hassle to send equipments out of the country and get them back when there are technical issues. Dolby saw this as a need and we started to talk years ago about the idea, but COVID interrupted us a little bit. Now, we are finally up and running! We have a good, trained team that will look after the entire range of Dolby products.

The plan is that virtually all of the key repairs and services will be completed here and customers will have a very quick turnaround solutions.”

When asked how this would benefit the individuals, he adds, “So the inducers will have a very quick turnaround solutions than any more serious service and they will be able to fix, let’s say, about 85-90% of the issues that could arise on a typical product. Regardless of the kind of repairs that are necessary, we will be able to do them in the country itself and this saves us all time and energy.

It would really benefit customers as they get to face lesser down time considerably for breakdowns if any.”

Bombay HC Paves Way for Redevelopment of Iconic Chandan Cinema in Mumbai

The iconic Chandan Cinema, which came up in 1973 at Juhu in Mumbai and remained a favourite haunt of many acting legends before shutters were downed, can now be reincarnated into a new avatar following the Bombay high court judgment. The HC bench of Justices SB Shukre and FP Pooniwalla held that a 1976 notification issued under the Works of Defence Act, 1903 does not prohibit its owner from reconstructing to a height of 15 metres, keeping rest of the dimensions same as what existed earlier. The bench held, "If there is a permanent construction already completed at the commencement of the Notification, then redevelopment of the permanent construction is not barred by the Notification." The HC said, however, keeping in mind the aim of the notification to ensure height control, the new redeveloped structure can have a permissible height of 15.24 metres or less.

The HC refused a plea made by the additional Solicitor General Devang Vyas for the defence ministry to stay its order to enable an appeal.

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DLF To Invest INR 1,700 Crore in Building a New Mall in Gurugram Realty major DLF is likely to start construction of its new 25 lakh square feet shopping mall in Gurugram this quarter at a cost of around INR 1,700 crore to expand business amid surge in demand for quality real estate space from retailers.

At present, DLF has a retail footprint of around 42 lakh square feet comprising nine properties, including malls and shopping centres, mainly across Delhi-NCR. Around 3.4 lakh square feet retail portfolio is under DLF and the rest under the DLF Cyber City Developers (DCCDL), a joint venture between DLF and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC. In an interview with PTI, DLF's Vice Chairman and MD (Rental Business) Sriram Khattar highlighted that the retail sector has bounced back sharply post-COVID pandemic and there has been strong growth in footfalls and sales in shopping malls.

"We are likely to start construction of Mall of India, Gurugram in the third quarter of this fiscal year," said Khattar, who has recently been elevated to this new position.

Asked about the investment in this upcoming mall, he said the company already owns the land historically while the construction cost is estimated to be around INR 1,700 Crore. Khattar said the company is constructing a premium mall in Goa of around 6 lakh square feet.

DLF is also developing high-street shopping centres near its housing projects to cater to the requirements of people living around. It is already constructing these shopping centres at DLF-phase 5, Gurugram and Moti Nagar, Delhi. In an investors'

presentation for the first quarter of 2023-24 fiscal, DLF had said, "Significant increase in retail presence; Portfolio to grow 2x in next 4-5 years."

DCCDL's consolidated revenue during the April-June quarter stood at INR 1,412 crore, reflecting a year-onyear (y-o-y) growth of 12%. The consolidated profit for the quarter stood at INR 391 crore, a y-o-y increase of 21%. Its revenue from retail business stood at INR 187 crore during the first quarter of this fiscal year.

At the group level, DLF has clocked a 12% rise in consolidated net profit to INR 527 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal from INR 469.57 crore in the year-ago period. Total income rose marginally to INR 1,521.71 crore in the April-June period of 2023-24 financial year from INR 1,516.28 crore in the year-ago period.

DLF Group is primarily engaged in the business of the development and sale of residential properties (the development business) and the development and leasing of commercial and retail properties (the annuity or rental business).

Amid Rising OTT, 98% of Indians Still Trust Theatres for 'Cinematic Magic' Ninety-eight per cent of Indians believe that the real experience of a movie can only be brought alive on the big screen, a report released on Thursday showed. It added that 90 per cent of Indians consider movie theatre as their usual go-to option for out-of-home leisure experiences.

Online ticketing firm BookMyShow released its 'The CineFiles - Decoding India's favourite entertainment choice -

Movies on the Big Screen' report based on a survey of 5,000 respondents on its platform across 650 cities in India. It showed that nearly two in every three Indians think of going to a movie theatre at least once every fortnight or more.

The main reason for the love of theatre is the experience it provides.

'74 per cent of respondents choose to watch a movie in the theatre for the immersive experience created by a larger screen and high audio quality', the report said.

"The enduring love for movies over the years remains unshaken. The first day, first shows continue as a sacred tradition for many fans, inspiring cheers, whistles and endless applause at the sight of beloved stars on the big screen," said Ashish Saxena, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BookMyShow.

The report showed that 35 per cent of the GenZ audience, born between 1997 and 2012, opt for the first day, first show.

Further, 26 per cent of the GenZ and 36 per cent of millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) choose the big screen experience for their moviewatching outing every week.

Interestingly, for 35 per cent of respondents, language or genre is not a deciding factor. They go to theatres solely based on the movie and its content. Moreover, 40 per cent

almost always prefer to go for the premium experience in a theatre, opting for premium screens like IMAX, Insignia and 4DX. Moreover, the report also highlighted that a majority of moviegoers plan ahead to watch a movie in the theatre. 74 per cent of respondents said they keep track of movies that interest them and plan at least three days in advance.

The rest, 26 per cent, go with spontaneous movie plans. Another 74 per cent of those surveyed said that they plan ahead to get a seat of their preference to watch a movie.

PVR App Hits Remarkable Milestone with 10 Million Downloads PVR Cinemas- Movie Tickets crossed the remarkable milestone of one-crore downloads on Google Play Store since its launch. This accomplishment positions it as the number 1 nonaggregator cinema app in the Entertainment category defined by the Google Play Store and positions it at an impressive #20 in the overall Entertainment category rankings based on total number of downloads.

PVR has relied on numerous digital interventions to enhance the customer

experience, and the mobile app has played a significant role in this digital journey. The app connects moviegoers with the latest film releases, showtimes, and convenient ticket booking options. The app's journey to 1 crore downloads reflects its popularity among cinephiles and underlines its seamless user experience. The PVR app allows consumers to book tickets on both PVR and INOX cinemas across the country.

Speaking about this milestone, Kamal Gianchandani, Chief Business Planning & Strategy, PVR INOX said, "We're extremely delighted to have crossed 1crore+ downloads of the PVR Mobile App on Google Play Store. This is a clear validation of the trust and love that our patrons have reposed in our brand over the years.

Ticket booking is the first part of our customer journey and we want to make it as seamless as possible for them with constant upgradation adding new features so that they are completely at ease. While ticket booking through mobile app has increased post covid, it has also contributed towards enhanced customer engagement, affinity and stickiness among our customers".

To celebrate the milestone, PVR INOX is extending a special offer to new app users. By using the offer code "APP100" during their first booking on the mobile app/website transaction, customers can enjoy a discount of INR 100.

The PVR Android App, available for free download on the Google Play Store has captured the hearts of millions of moviegoers by offering a seamless and user-friendly experience with plenty of features. This includes curated movie and cinema listings tailored to user preferences, ticket booking as per genres, theatres and languages, set movie alerts on the watch list, PVR Privilege

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subscriptions, in-cinema amenities like food ordering, movie runtime information, and interval schedules.

It also allows users to preview immersive cinema formats before booking, and it provides an array of offers and discounts across 30+ payment modes.

N.M. Suresh is KFCC President Veteran Producer N.M. Suresh (Excuse Me, Chappale, Cheluveye Ninna Nodalu) was elected president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) He secured 337 votes, and won the post by a margin of 120 votes.

Following this win, He succeeds Ba. Ma. Harish. Others in fray for the top KFCC post were Shilpa Srinivas with 217 votes, A. Ganesh with 204 votes, and V.H. Suresh with 181 votes. The other office-bearers are: Secretary (Producers' sector) Ba. Ma. Harish; Distributors' sector V. Subramani; Exhibitors' sector Sundar Raju; Vice-President (producers' sector) Pramila Joshai; Distributors' sector G. Venkatesh, and Exhibitors' sector Narasimha.

Costa Coffee Products to be Sold at Select PVR INOX Cinemas Under the agreement, Costa Coffee's 'Handcrafted Hot & Cold Coffees' will be sold at some of the PVR INOX cinema properties. Devyani International, franchisee of Costa Coffee in India and leading multiplex

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chain PVR INOX announced a strategic agreement on Thursday.

Under the agreement, Costa Coffee's 'Handcrafted Hot & Cold Coffees' will be sold at some of the PVR INOX cinema properties. Analysts said this will help PVR INOX to diversify its food and beverage portfolio.

Abneesh Roy, Executive Director, Nuvama Institutional Equities said this move is in line with the multiplex chain's to premiumise and diversify its food & beverage offerings for consumers. He noted that PVR INOX is already one ofthe largest food and beverage retailers in the country.

PVR INOX is the leading multiplex player with over 1,700 screens and 360 properties. "We assume it will be only for the key metro cities. In case this is rolled out across the network, this could add a decent scale to Costa's revenues. However, it will be at a much lower gross margin," Roy added.

India's First Cinema Subscription Program; Watch 10 Movies a Month: PVR INOX Passport The love of cinema among Indians is unwavering. For many, watching new releases in theatres is the highlight of

the week. Nowadays, with people becoming more conscious of the high costs, the allure of these theatre outings has somewhat faded. To enable the movie lovers of India to access movies at an unbelievable price, PVR INOX, India's largest multiplex chain, is excited to announce its latest offering, the Passport. This monthly subscription pass is perfect for movie lovers, who do not want to miss the release of any movie. Starting October, 2023, subscribers will have access to an incredible cinematic experience at an affordable price.

From Mondays to Thursdays, subscribers can watch up to 10 movies per month for just INR 699/. This means each movie viewing experience costs as little as INR 69.90 excluding convenience fee.

PVR INOX has introduced Passport under a limited period offer, with only 20,000 subscriptions.

The hugely innovative and neverbefore offerings aims to offer an outright and sheer experience to the millions of movie lovers in India, and let them live their passion for movies, in a manner where ticket prices do not play a role. This initiative also aims to revive the thrill of going to the movies among Indian audiences by making it more accessible, especially on weekdays.

Commenting on the PVR Passport launch, Gautam Dutta - Co-CEO of PVR INOX said, "Cinema possesses an irresistible allure, an enchantment that can only be fully experienced on the grand canvas of the big screen.

At PVR, we are committed to fulfilling the desires of our cherished patrons, and we have heard their concerns closely about ticket prices that sometimes deter them from enjoying the magic of cinema. From this deep understanding, we proudly present the Passport-a monthly subscription pass designed to liberate you from cost worries while immersing yourself in the cinematic universe, in a manner,

which would potentially reshape the way our country goes to the movies.

We are sure that our customer-centric innovation would also enhance viewership for content across genres, as audiences can now enjoy more movies while exploring newer varieties of content, without spending much."

Gautam further adds, "We take immense pride in the recent success of the film Jawan, Gadar 2, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, OMG 2 and Dream Girl 2 which captivated audiences and demonstrated the enduring appeal of the silver screen.

Our aspiration is not only to entertain but also to re-ignite the passion for the silver screen in others. As we eagerly await the release of highly anticipated films in the coming Quarters, we are sure that an even larger chunk of movie lovers will visit our multiplexes and fall in love with the big screen experience once again. Our unwavering commitment remains to provide audiences with an unforgettable cinematic journey. We therefore invite fans to embrace the Passport and get transported to a world of cinematic wonder."

The slate of films scheduled to release in the upcoming months will heighten the buzz around cinemas, offering audiences a wide array of choices.

The highly anticipated titles include Bollywood releases such as Ganapath, Yaariyan 2, The Buckingham Murder, Tiger 3, Animal etc. The Hollywood movie ensemble comprises much-awaited titles like Killers of the Flower Moon, Dune: Part 2, The Marvels, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Trolls Band Together among others.

Movie lovers can grab their Passports for a minimum subscription period of three months from the PVR & INOX App or website. For redeeming, users will have to choose a Passport coupon as a payment option at the

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time of transaction check out. In case of a transaction for multiple tickets, one ticket can be redeemed using a Passport coupon and the rest can be paid for, through any other regular mode of payment. The Passport is a non-transferrable subscription and will have to be availed by a single user, who will have to show a Government identity proof at the time of checking in to the cinema. The Passport is valid at all PVR & INOX cinemas across India, except the Southern states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana and cities including Chandigarh, Puducherry, Pathankot, Srinagar, Bharuch, Bhiwadi, Jorhat, Kalka, Siliguri and Colombo. The Passport will be valid for the regular mainstream auditoriums and cannot be redeemed at the premium and experiential formats or for booking the Recliner Seat at any PVR or INOX Multiplex Theatres in any city.

Over 6 million Moviegoers Thronged Cinemas on National Cinema Day: MAI Unprecedented demand for movie tickets was visible and the cinema operators reported house-full shows throughout the day, making

"13 October the second highestattended day of the year 2023" The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) on recent report stated that a record number of cinemagoers went to the movies, on Friday 13th October, to celebrate National Cinema Day, making it the second highest-attended day of the year. Over 4,000 screens participated in the initiative, including cinema chains like PVRINOX, Cinepolis , MIRAJ, Citypride cinema, Mukta A2, Movie Time, Wave, M2K, Moviemax, Rajhans, NY Cinemas, Delite and many others.

"The second National Cinema Day received a big thumbs up from the cinemagoers across the country with shows starting as early as 6.00 a.m., it was a major success in bringing together millions of film fans of all ages to enjoy movies on the big screen.

A record number of 6+ Million (estimated) moviegoers visited their local cinema to celebrate the National Cinema Day," the official statement said. It added that an unprecedented demand for movie tickets was visible and the cinema operators reported house-full shows throughout the day, making "13 October the second highest-attended day of the year 2023." "The overwhelming response to this initiative reaffirms the timeless and enduring appeal of the theatrical experience. We extend our heartfelt "Thank You" to the millions of movie fans who made this year's National Cinema Day a massive success," MAI said.

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E •

AAA Cinemas:

Curating Unmatchable Experiences Bringing back the unique essence of good cinema, AAA Cinemas is a joint venture collaboration with Asian Cinemas and Telugu actor Allu Arjun. This new multiplex in Hyderabad, Telangana, is equipped with Dolby Atmos with laser projection, comfortable recliners, and F&B consisting of items like brownies, fries, biryani and more! Delivering the best-in-class experience for any movie fanatic; it offers something for everyone!

TheatreWorld had the pleasure of having a conversation with Bharath N Narang, Director, and Jyesth Narang, Executive Director, AAA Cinemas to know more…

Asian Cinemas is one of the largest multiplex chains in India, known for the excellence in entertainment segment,

the cinema chain has emerged as one of the desired entertainment zone amongst family and youngsters since

Raghav and Firdows Matheen of TheatreWorld at AAA Cinemas with Bharath N Narang, Director and Jyesth Narang, Executive Director of AAA Cinemas

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the company is bringing world class entertainment to the people of Hyderabad. Promoted by Late Sri Narayandas K Narang and Daggupati Suresh Babu with wellestablished credentials in the film industry having uncompromised business principles on Quality, Exclusivity, Functionality, Commitment has successfully envisioned, planned, developed and executed many multiplex projects in and around Hyderabad.

Asian Group launched the iconic multiplex 'Asian Satyam Mall' under the company Asian Builders & Developers, promoted by Shri Suniel Narang, Shri Bharat Narang, partnered by Shri Allu Arvind, Shri Sadanand Goud and Shri Murali Mohan Rao, Spread over 3 lakh sq. ft., including 3 floor

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • parking, the mall features shopping area, food court and a luxurious 5 screen multiplex AAA Cinemas on the 4th floor.

Just to refresh and go back down the memory lane- Tell us about Asian Cinemas.

Jyeshth Narang: Asian Cinemas is a company that started off when my grandfather (Shri Narayandas Narang) was there in the 2000s, later on my father started off by building theatres in 2010 I remember. With the first one at CinePlanet in Kompally, when he started off there it was a different experience! I was always fascinated by this world, and I wanted to go explore more. Then we constructed the cinema at Sridevi Mall, Hanamkonda and many more theatres after that.

Elaborate on the multiplexes, cineplexes and single-screens run

by Asian Cinemas.

Bharat Narang: Our first theatre was launched when we started in 2010, CinePlanet, Kompally was the first property then we moved on to Hanamkonda then we did Bhadrachalam, then Miryalaguda, etc.

These are some of the district and the single-screen theatres in Hyderabad.

Recently we completed a cinema in Adilabad, we completed the seating and it has come out very well! Plusher interior, good sound quality, we are distributers for QSE Sound also and we had the opportunity to experiment with the sound.

have two screens which are Dolby Atmos equipped screens and the first screen (Screen 1) is the biggest screen with 440 seats giving us an IMAX-like experience. We want to give the best cinema quality to the people here. So the technology is our first priority and then we focus on our F&B rates.

Bharat Narang: For the food created here, we use the best ingredients- No Compromise on that! We have so many families who come with the appeal for Biryani, Pasta, Burger, Chaats, North Indian cuisine, even Pan Asian! We wanted to include all of this, so we cater to every preference.

Brief us about the journey/vision behind AAA Cinemas?

Jyesth Narang: The journey behind AAA Cinemas was amazing! It started off back in 2019-2020 before lockdown. It turned out different from our initial plans. AAA Cinemas stands out as a contemporary theatre compared to others. When much of the equipment was being installed, we experienced a sense of anticipation, and in the final stages, we were truly amazed!

Bharat Narang: The most exciting part was the hero- Allu Arjun. We had a good interaction with him and a lot of input was given by him. The chairs

Being well-known for providing world-class movie experiences in Hyderabad and parts of Telangana, tell us some induced features of Asian Cinemas that make it stand-out in the competitive cinema exhibition market.

Jyesth Narang: Top priority is the quality of cinema and what we project.

If you take a look at AAA cinemas, we December 2023 - February 2024 TM-15

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • and the colour scheme were discussed and bought. So every hero is guiding us to style the cinema in a way they like.

What has been the impetus behind establishing the largest LED screen in India?

Jyesth Narang: So actually, this was my father's idea. He was working with Eranna Yekbote the architect and they wanted to experiment with LED screens for the theatres. Their vision was that they wanted to give a new contemporary feel to the movie experience. So they installed the LED screens, installed the hologram, and tried to design the theatre following this idea.

Share a little about the experience of collaborating with Allu Arjun?

Jyesth Narang: Arjun sir, I would like to say one thing is that, he would give time to us for even if it seemed to be the minutest details. Whenever we would go for meetings, he used to be there. Arjun sir has given us a lot of his inputs- from the hologram to all the colours that he has selected. The marketing as well is just as he had wanted to execute.

Were there any challenges faced during the setting up of the cinema?

Jyesth Narang: Yes, there were many challenges! The LED screens were perhaps the most challenging. We often wondered how we were going

to execute the plans. It was very new to us, but all thanks to the Qube and Dolby teams, it was possible. They helped us out so much that the challenge became easier for us.

What is the moviegoing crowd like in this area? Have you seen an increase or decrease in audience?

Jyesth Narang: This area of Hyderabad consists more of a

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• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E •

“The first EPIQ Luxon screen at AAA Hyderabad is a showcase of the latest cinema technology from Qube that allows patrons to experience the future of cinema in glorious High Dynamic Range.

Asian Cinemas and the Allu family have been our longstanding partners, and it is fortuitious that we could all come together for this project. Besides the LED screen itself, the entire design of the EPIQ Luxon auditorium, including the immersive audio has been done by the Qube team. With HDR content, the entire movie experience at AAA’s EPIQ Luxon screen is truly spectacular!”

– Senthil Kumar, Co-founder, Qube Cinema student going crowd. Because of this we notice that morning shows get a real good collection. I have seen that in this area, it's filled with cinema buffs!

When we launched, the first three days collection of AAA was amazing!

We have done really good numbers.

We have the IT students coming in for the night shows since we have shows till 12-12:30. It's still new though so I'm hopeful that it will get better but so far it's really good.

Asian Cinemas has certainly brought the stars closer to the movie patrons who is next on the list? Are there any expansion plans for Asian Cinemas?

Jyesth Narang: There are many actually! We're starting off with a drive-in with three prominent stars which will be known as 'AMB Classic Drive-In'. Along with this, we have 'AMB Classic Cinemas' coming at RTC Crossroad. The response to AMB Cinemas and AAA Cinemas has been incredible so we are excited for more.

Bharat Narang: Next one we are planning for major screens, in the financial district. It will be with a very big star, so it is something exciting.

It will be around 14-15 screens, with the four luxury screens and one screen which will be out of the world.

So look out for that!

December 2023 - February 2024 TM-17

• BUSINESS TREND •

BO Revenues:

Clocking INR 12,000 Crore The experience of viewing movies in multiplexes is an immensely enjoyable one and despite OTT streaming platforms making inroads, the true success of a movie is still gauged by the Box-Office collections at the theatres. The blockbuster success of Hindi and regional movies in 2023 showcases that the exhibition business has thrived and been successful and will continue its good run.

The lure of the Box Office (BO) is magical, the success of any movie at the BO gets the adrenalin pumping for the cinemagoer and the production house, and the other stakeholders involved. The first half of 2023 was not too convincing and the second half has been great for the theatrical exhibition business in India. From the singlescreens to the multiplexes, across India, it was a time to celebrate as major blockbusters set the box office raining with cash. The exhibition trade is very optimistic and expects the theatrical revenue to be around INR 12,000 crore this year.

Bollywood Makes a Comeback in 2023 The Hindi film industry, which had not seen too many hits in 2022, was optimistic about 2023 and the year began well when it started with a bang with the mega success of Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan. Pathaan collected over INR 1,050 crore worldwide while the net collection in India stood at INR 543 crore.

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The success streak continued followed by multiple films that turned out to be super hits at the box office including Gadar 2, Dream Girl 2 and Jawan, which has created new records at the box office.

Diwali and Christmas are two major festive periods which sees some of the major blockbuster releases and down South there are festive seasons

like Onam, Pongal which sees some of the major releases.

The film industry, had a good run during the third quarter of 2023, spanning from July to October. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani grossed over INR 150 crores at the box office. This was followed by Gadar 2 and OMG2 which grossed over INR 500 crores and INR 135 crores respectively.

• BUSINESS TREND • Dream Girl 2 crossed the 100-crore mark. Jawan crossed INR 330 crore in just 7 days and as on October 15 the global box office collection stands at INR 1125.20 crore.

The number of cinegoers to the theatres has seen a major quantum jump in 2023 with several blockbuster releases forcing the audience to flock to the theatres to get the ‘Big Screen Magic.’

South Indian Films Ruling the Roost The South Indian film industry which paved the way for the Box Office success in 2022 with S.S. Rajamouli's Telugu hit and eventual Oscar winner RRR grossing USD105M on its March release, followed by the second part of the Kannada-language K.G.F. franchise, K.G.F: Chapter 2, which grossed USD 117M in April 2022.

The success of the two films pushed the market share of South Indian films to 50% in 2022, with Hindi films only

taking a 33% share (which included the Hindi dubbed versions of both ‘RRR’ and K.G.F: Chapter 2).

Kantaara, Kannada blockbuster worldwide gross collections crossed the INR 400-crore mark in 53 days The biggest hit from the Telugu industry this year has been Mythri Movie Makers' action pic Waltair Veerayya. Waltair Veerayya, featuring Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Shruti Haasan and Catherine Tresa, stood out, grossing INR 219 crore. Nandamuri Balakrishna's, Veera Simha Reddy,

garnered INR 133 crore. Virupaksha with Sai Dharam Tej and Samyuktha Menon earned INR 103.5 crore, and Pawan Kalyan's Bro made INR 102 crore. Dasara, starring Nani, Keerthy Suresh and Dheekshith Shetty, had worldwide gross collection of INR 118.50 crore.

In Tamil, Ponniyin Selvan: II, a historical action film featuring Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, R. Sarathkumar and Jayaram, captivated audiences and amassed INR 344.63 crore.

• BUSINESS TREND • Varisu, starring Vijay and Rashmika Mandanna, earned INR 297.55 crore while Thunivu with Ajith Kumar and Manju Warrier collected INR 220 crore. Vaathi, starring Dhanush and Samyuktha Menon, had worldwide gross collection of INR 118 crore.

Leo starring Vijay earned over 147 crores on day 1 of its release worldwide and Leo is the highest grossing movie in Tamil Nadu.

The Malayalam movie ‘2018’ also known as 2018: Everyone is a Hero earned INR 180.03 crore. In Punjabi cinema, Carry on Jatta 3, starring Gippy Grewal, Sonam Bajwa, Gurpreet Ghuggi and Kavita Kaushik, amassed INR 110 crore.

Salaar another Prabhas blockbuster whose release has been postponed to December is predicted to cross the INR 100 crore in advance pre booking collections globally.

The last quarter of 2023 seems to be even more promising for Bollywood with Salman Khan returning with Tiger3 and Akshay Kumar with Mission Raniganj. Other releases in the end of 2023 include Animal, Maidaan, Ganpath-1, Tejas, Sam Bahadur, Merry Christmas, Emergency, Yodha and the big pan movie Salaar. We also have Shah Rukh Khan with Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki in early 2024.

Hollywood BO collections in India The Hollywood Movie Box Office collections in India has been pretty impressive in 2023. Oppenheimer collected INR 157 crore, Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning around INR 131 crore while Fast X collected INR 131 crores and Barbie around INR 53 crore.

Onlooking Larger Markets 2022 & 2023 has seen several actors make linguistic cross over and go

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National Cinema Day Draws 6+ Million Moviegoers to Cinemas The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) confirms that a record number of cinemagoers went to the movies, on Friday 13th October, to celebrate National Cinema Day. More than 4,000 screens participated in the initiative, including cinema chains like PVRINOX, CINEPOLIS, MIRAJ, CITYPRIDE, MUKTA A2, MOVIE TIME, WAVE, M2K, MOVIEMAX, RAJHANS, NY CINEMAS, DELITE and many others.

A record number of 6+ Million (estimated) moviegoers visited their local cinema to celebrate the National Cinema Day. In every corner, audiences of all ages came together to record an unprecedented demand for movie tickets, and the country's cinema operators reported house-full shows throughout the day, making 13 October the second highest-attended day of the year 2023. beyond geographical borders to debut in films of other languages.

While south Indian actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Vijay Sethupathi and Rashmika Mandanna were seen in Hindi films, Hindi stars Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, etc have worked in south films. The transition is part of the move to create films for pan-India audiences made either by Bollywood or southern film studios but to be released in multiple dubbed languages for reach across markets.

Hindi film actors have realised the appeal of these large-scale southern films, south Indian actors are also keen to look beyond their core base.

Audiences in the north have seen southern actors on streaming platforms. The actors want to increase recoveries for their films.

Rajamouli's Baahubali franchise had shown the way for Telugu and Tamil films to penetrate into the Hindi heartland including small towns in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The dubbed Hindi version of Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rise-Part One, had made over INR 70 crore at last count, with Maharashtra and Gujarat driving the business.

While southern actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan had appeared in Hindi films or bilinguals even earlier, the attempts remained few and far between with little box office success in the north.

Co-Existence of Theatrical and OTT will drive the movie business The co-existence of OTT platforms and cinema exhibition industry is a trend which will continue in the future.

The pandemic brought about major changes in the viewing pattern of the audience wherein OTT emerged as a primary source of entertainment. But post pandemic the cinema theatres are seeing higher footfalls and they have started offering more immersive experiences to the audience.

With cinemas and theaters shutting down across the world, OTT platforms have emerged as the primary source of entertainment for many. In 2020, Netflix reported a significant increase in subscribers, with over 10 million new subscribers joining the platform in the second quarter of the year.

The window of releasing films on OTT platforms was reduced from eight to four weeks during the pandemic. But the eight-week window between the theatrical and OTT release of films is back.

The Indian film industry is the largest in the world in terms of number of films produced with between 1,500 to 2,000 films produced every year in more than 20 languages. So the future of Indian movie and theatrical business will keep growing despite the myriad challenges.

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E •

Rajhans Cinemas:

Biggest Multiplex in Surat, Gujarat

In a world filled with technological wonders and ever-evolving sources of entertainment, there remains a timeless enchantment that only the magic of cinemas can conjure. It is a place where dreams come to life, where stories unfold in vivid splendour, and where the beauty of imagination transcends the boundaries of reality.

Cinemas are not mere venues; they are portals to an enchanting world that has, for generations, captivated the hearts and minds of people. Such is a world of Rajhans Cinemas- a place of magic, wonder and a sure-fire medium for people to escape into new and exciting realms. This lavish new 10-screen multiplex in Gujarat shows off the best with all the latest technology with 2K projection for high-quality screening and comfortable cinema halls to enhance the movie experience for its guests.

Rajhans Cinemas has long been a name synonymous with world-class entertainment in Gujarat. The journey began with a first-of-its-kind multiplex in Surat in the year 2000 which has now blossomed into a renowned chain of cinemas, known for its cutting-edge technology, luxurious ambience, and a commitment to offering the ultimate movie-watching experience. Their newest venture in Surat is a testament to their vision of taking entertainment to new heights and providing an unparalleled cinematic adventure to the people of Gujarat.

With Rajhans Cinemas, the magical journey of entertainment has just become more awe-inspiring with its recent venture which has unveiled the biggest, state-of-the-art 10-screen cinema nestled within the prestigious Rajhans Flamingo Mall in Ambatalavadi, Surat. This remarkable multiplex has redefined the movie watching experience.

In the realm of Gujarat's biggest multiplex, Rajhans Cinemas Surat deserves recognition not only as the most extensive megaplex with a seating capacity of 2,608 but also as the premier destination for uncompromising and complete entertainment. The high-resolution screens and 2K projection technology guarantee a visually captivating display here. The inclusion of advanced 3D technology adds another layer of immersion. The Dolby Atmos sound echoes an exceptional audio experience. Further, a prime lounge with couple recliners and sofa seating crafts an exclusive cinematic journey.

December 2023 - February 2024 TM-23

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • Rajhans Cinemas Surat serves as a striking example of the seamless blend of beauty and artistic elements within the realm of cinema. What sets it apart from its contemporaries is its impeccable attention to interior design, which has the power to transport visitors into a realm of sheer elegance. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a visual symphony of opulent colours, intricate detailing, and a sense of grandeur that is unparalleled. From the lobby to the auditoriums, every corner is a celebration of aesthetics, where the interplay of lighting, textures, and furnishings creates an ambiance that is both luxurious and welcoming. The elevated interiors of Rajhans Cinemas Surat are a far cry from the conventional cinema spaces; they mirror the grandeur of a palace, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in an extravagant experience that goes beyond the silver screen. This commitment to creating a visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing environment redefines the very notion of a cinematic outing and underscores why Rajhans Cinemas Surat is a true gem among its contemporaries.

inaugurating the biggest cinema, they have launched a wide range of cinema chains in multiple locations. Making their mark as an up-and-coming cinema chain that movie lovers can trust to heighten their cinema experience!

Their commitment to remaining at the forefront of the continually evolving cinema industry is resolute. With an unyielding focus on customer satisfaction, Rajhans Cinemas is setting its sights on further expansion into cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Raipur,

Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Bhopal, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Dehradun, and more.

Rajhans Cinemas transcends being merely a chain of movie theatres; it embodies a symbol of excellence, serving as a hub of entertainment where indelible memories are crafted.

With its storied heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, and a forwardlooking vision, Rajhans Cinemas continues to shine brightly in the realm of multiplex, acting as a guiding light for movie enthusiasts across the nation.

Rajhans have launched a wide rage of new cinemas in multiple Metro and two tier locations in India.

This year marks a significant milestone for Rajhans Cinemas, alongside

"Our journey is a testament to our passion for delivering sheer luxury experience enriched by cutting-edge technology. We strive to set new standards, exceed expectations and create lasting memories for our patrons whilst redefining the way people enjoy movies. As a leading cinema chain, we have ambitious plans to expand further, with over 100 additional screens lined-up across India for 2024. Our expansion strategy extensively includes venturing further into the southern regions of India, including cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Chennai, Vizag, as well as the Northern region."

– Kuldeep Singh Sisodiya, Chief Operating Officr, Rajhans Cinemas

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• INDIA PLEXING •

PVR INOX - Priya & Paras:

The Prestigious Standalone IMAX Cinemas in India PVR INOX takes a trip down memory lane as their first location 'Priya Cinemas' and Nehru Place's oldest Iconic cinema 'Paras Cinema' is set to reopen in Delhi as India's first standalone IMAX cinemas. The brand has set its benchmark transforming this nostalgic complex into a modern daydream where movie lovers can enjoy films in the brilliance of their advanced technology.

Paras Cinemas, New Delhi Good news to the residents of South Delhi, PVR INOX has announced the reopening of the iconic Paras Cinema in a new avatar at Nehru Place, New Delhi. This launch marks the opening of the fifth IMAX in Delhi and the second standalone IMAX theatre in India featuring IMAX with Laser technology, a next generation laser projection and multichannel sound system exclusive to IMAX theatres for a truly immersive experience.

With this opening, the new cinema will augment PVR INOX's foothold in New Delhi to a total of 27 cinemas across 108 screens and consolidates its presence in North India with a total of 457 screens in 103 properties.

Paras Cinema at South Delhi's commercial hub makes a comeback as

World's Most Immersive Cinema Experience with a seating capacity of 305. IMAX with Laser is set apart by its 4K laser projection system featuring a new optical engine and a suite of proprietary IMAX technology that delivers crystal-clear images, increased resolution, deeper contrast as well as the most distinct, exotic colours ever available on-screen.

The new experience also features next generation IMAX precision sound, delivering greater dynamic range and precision for the ultimate in audio immersion.

The property has been revamped befitting modern cinema standards aimed at offering a distinguished movie-viewing experience to the capital's movie enthusiasts. With a visually dazzling interior, the new

cinema is a blend of modernity with classic charm exuding luxury and style.

Additionally, the concessionaire area takes center stage with live cooking where patrons can enjoy the diverse menu.

The difference between an IMAX theatre and a regular theatre lies in the unique and enhanced cinematic experience. IMAX theatres provide a more expansive and immersive viewing experience and are equipped with a state-of-the-art projection system that projects images with superior clarity and brightness. Moreover, IMAX theatres are renowned for their heart-pounding audio capabilities. The sound systems in these theatres are specially designed to deliver powerful, multi-dimensional surround sound.

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• INDIA PLEXING •

Priya Cinema, New Delhi Earlier this year, PVR INOX was proud to announce the launch of the only standalone IMAX theatre in India at Delhi's iconic Priya Cinema at Basant Lok Complex, Vasant Vihar!

The state-of-the-art cinema will feature IMAX with Laser technology, a next generation laser projection and multi-channel sound system exclusive to IMAX theatres for a truly immersive experience.

"We are extremely pleased to upgrade our first and most iconic cinema, PVR Priya into a modern- day representation of a truly immersive cinematic experience like IMAX. Non Hindi Indian movies and Hollywood movies have indeed broken the thresholds of geographical and language barriers being dubbed in

multiple language aided by their larger than life appeal and immersive formats such as IMAX have helped in

expanding the movie viewing market.

We are certain that PVR IMAX at Priya would be the most sought after out-of-home entertainment destination for movie lovers"- Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX IMAX with Laser is set apart by its 4K laser projection system featuring a new optical engine and a suite of proprietary IMAX technology that delivers crystal clear images, increased resolution, deeper contrast as well as the most distinct, exotic colours ever available on-screen.

The new experience also features next generation IMAX precision sound, delivering greater dynamic range and precision for the ultimate in audio immersion.

"PVR IMAX with Laser at Priya is a world-class location that will make an excellent home for this one-of-a-kind IMAX offering in India, India is fast-emerging as one of the most exciting global cinema markets thanks to its passionate audiences and their love for Indian and Hollywood filmmaking alike, and we are pleased to further partner with PVR INOX to meet surging demand for The IMAX Experience."

– Rich Gelfond, Chief Executive Officer, IMAX Corporation

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• INDIA PLEXING • "PVR IMAX with Laser at Priya is a world-class location that will make an excellent home for this one-of-a-kind IMAX offering in India," said Rich

Gelfond, CEO, IMAX. "India is fastemerging as one of the most exciting global cinema markets thanks to its passionate audiences and their love for

Indian and Hollywood filmmaking alike, and we are pleased to further partner with PVR INOX to meet surging demand for ‘The IMAX Experience.’

The Most Advanced Theatre Experience:

IMAX with Laser Cryst al Clear IMAX Laser Projection. Next Generation IMAX Precision Sound. I MAX Immersive By Design.

Crystal As part of its commitment to push boundaries and do things never before done in cinema, IMAX offers I MAX with Laser - a groundbreaking 4K laser projection system and multi-channel audio system that delivers a superior entertainment experience exclusively to IMAX screens. Created to transport audiences into today's biggest blockbusters, I MAX with Laser delivers crystal clear images and next generation precision sound for IMAX's most advanced theatre experience.

True Reality Captured & Projected!

I MAX with Laser has been designed from the ground-up exclusively for IMAX screens. The experience is set apart by its 4K laser projection system featuring a new optical engine and a suite of proprietary IMAX technologies that deliver crystal clear IMAX laser projection, increased resolution, deeper contrast as well as the most distinct, exotic colours ever available on-screen.

The new experience also features next generation IMAX precision sound and multi-channel sound technology, delivering greater dynamic range and precision for the ultimate in audio immersion.

•

Cryst al Clear IIMAX MAX Laser Projection: Increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrasts, as Crystal well as the widest range of colours available to filmmakers to deliver the most life-like visuals for moviegoers.

•

Next Generation IIMAX MAX Precision Sound: Patented sound technology delivers striking clarity and depth alongside perfected tuned sound and evenly distributed audio throughout the theatre.

•

I MAX Immersion by Design: Custom-designed theatres with stadium seating for clear vantage points at every seat, as well as custom screens for the brightest images.

In addition to these enhancements, the IMAX with Laser system is linked to IMAX's 24/7/365 Network Operations Centre and features built-in image calibration and audio tuning that ensure the same optimum performance show after show.

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• INDIA PLEXING •

Cinépolis:

Largest Curved Screens in Ahmedabad The no.1 international cinema exhibitor in India with the vision of lighting up the movies in one's life with smiles and unforgettable moments, Cinépolis brings its unmatched experience to movie patrons in Ahmedabad at Kankubag Mall in Vastral! Introducing the concept of luxury cinemas with their state-of-the-art theatres, equipped with cutting-edge technology, high-definition projection and crisp sound that brings motion pictures to life!

The cinema promises to be an iconic landmark in Ahmedabad's cinematic scene, setting a new bar for the ideal movie-going experience.

Cinépolis expands farther with the opening of its latest venture at Kankubag Mall in Vastral, Ahmedabad.

This remarkable addition to the Cinépolis family promises to reinvent the cinematic experience in the heart of Ahmedabad, with an assortment of unique features that will leave spectators speechless. Guests are guaranteed a realistic experience through 2K projection, the Dolby Atmos surround system, a silver screen, and a visually stunning 3D experience.

Cinépolis at Kankubag is a traditional cinema with a modern twist, offering a plethora of extraordinary amenities to ensure an unforgettable moviegoing

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experience. The cinema features a 5-screen setup, two of which provide complete 3D experiences, immersing the audience in the enchanting world of 3D cinema. With cutting-edge 4K laser projectors, the cinema guarantees the highest quality visuals and crystal-clear images on its expansive screens. The stadium-style

seating, featuring the city's largest curved screens, ensures a perfect view from every seat in the house.

With a total seating capacity of 1,298, it stands as the largest cinema in Vastral, both in terms of capacity and legroom, promising spacious comfort and luxury for all patrons. For those seeking a more opulent moviewatching experience, Cinépolis offers recliner seating, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy their favourite films in style.

Additionally, The Coffee Tree, an exquisite gourmet food offering, tempts patrons with a diverse range of culinary delights to tantalize their taste buds. To complete the sensory

• INDIA PLEXING • experience, the cinema boasts stateof-the-art Dolby 7.1 surround sound, ensuring an immersive audio experience that transports audiences deep into the heart of the film.

Devang Sampat, Chief Executive Officer, Cinépolis India, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating, "With the launch of Cinépolis at Kankubag, we are committed to providing an extraordinary and memorable experience. Our primary goal is to offer a unique blend of entertainment and enjoyment, differentiating ourselves from our competitors and ensuring that Ahmedabad gets the entertainment it truly deserves. We extend an invitation to the people of Ahmedabad to join us on this cinematic adventure at Cinépolis, where indelible moments and cherished memories await.

Prepare to immerse yourself in a realm of entertainment, opulence, and thrill."

"Our primary goal is to offer a unique blend of entertainment and enjoyment, differentiating ourselves from our competitors and ensuring that Ahmedabad gets the entertainment it truly deserves. We extend an invitation to the people of Ahmedabad to join us on this cinematic adventure at Cinépolis, where indelible moments and cherished memories await. Prepare to immerse yourself in a realm of entertainment, opulence, and thrill."

– Devang Sampat, Chief Executive Officer, Cinépolis India

Cinépolis' commitment to delivering world-class cinema experiences is further underscored by its relentless pursuit of innovation, quality, and

customer satisfaction. The opening of this new multiplex at the Kankubag Mall represents another milestone in Cinépolis' mission to bring top-notch entertainment to communities across India.

The launch of Cinépolis at Kankubag promises to be a landmark event in redefining the cinematic landscape of Ahmedabad and setting a new standard for the ultimate moviegoing experience. Cinépolis intends to continue revolutionising the movie industry for many years to come. The entire industry is now in the midst of overcoming all of the hurdles, and we anticipate a bright future ahead

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• INDIA PLEXING •

Miraj Cinemas:

First-Ever Multiplex in Gurdaspur For the first time in Punjab, this brand is all set to present Gurdaspur's first multiplex chain! Equipped with the latest technology, the residents of this city are eager to experience the magic of cinema in these new theatres! The multiplex showcases best-in-class technology, including state-of-the-art projectors that promise a visual performance seamlessly harmonised with an immersive and captivating sound experience.

Not just settling to that but this mega chain has introduced an enticing introductory ticket price starting at INR 100, inviting cinephiles to immerse themselves in the enchantment of cinema amidst the lap of grandeur!!!

Miraj Cinemas, India's fastest-growing and third-largest national multiplex chain, is dedicated to delivering unparalleled entertainment and culinary delights.

Strategically located on the 4th floor of AGM Mall, Tibri Road, Hanuman Chowk, Gurdaspur, Punjab, this state-of-the-art multiplex has marked a significant milestone as Gurdaspur's first-ever multiplex. To celebrate this cinematic extravaganza, Miraj Cinemas introduces an enticing introductory

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ticket price starting at INR 100, inviting cinephiles to immerse themselves in the enchantment of cinema amidst the lap of grandeur.

The multiplex showcases best-in-class

technology, including state-of-the-art projectors that promise a visual performance seamlessly harmonised with an immersive and captivating sound experience.

The cinema caters to a total of 555 movie enthusiasts with plush seating distributed across three screens (228 in Screen 1,156 in Screen 2, and 171 in Screen 3), complemented by 17 recliners and 13 sofas. The commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience extends beyond the viewing halls, ensuring that every aspect of the audience's visit is marked by comfort and convenience.

The interiors are meticulously designed to create an inviting ambience, featuring modern aesthetics that reflect a perfect blend of opulence and functionality. Plush furnishings and tasteful decor contribute to an atmosphere that exudes sophistication.

Moreover, the spacious lobby of the multiplex serves as a welcoming hub for moviegoers, offering a vibrant and social space. Designed for the

• INDIA PLEXING • discerning audience, the lobby has comfortable seating areas, providing an ideal setting for patrons to relax and socialise before or after their cinematic experience. Integrating aesthetic elements and thoughtful design ensures that patrons feel immersed in an environment that transcends the traditional moviewatching experience, making their visit to Gurdaspur Miraj Cinemas at AGM Mall a memorable and enjoyable affair from the moment they enter.

On this occasion, Amit Sharma, Managing Director of Miraj Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the company's growth in Punjab, stating, "The launch of Gurdaspur Miraj Cinemas is a significant stride in our dedication to delivering unparalleled entertainment across the nation. Our commitment

extends beyond constructing cinemas; we aspire to create destinations that elevate the entertainment experience. Our vision is to infuse the magic of cinema into the cultural tapestry of Punjab, spreading joy, excitement, and unforgettable moments across the state. Come join us on this journey as we expand, bringing our unique brand of entertainment to more communities."

Bhuvnesh Mendiratta, Chief Operating Officer of Miraj Cinemas, added, "Gurdaspur Miraj Cinemas is not just a cinema; it's an immersive entertainment destination. We are dedicated to providing a world-class cinematic experience, and the inaugural offer reflects our commitment to making quality entertainment accessible to everyone.

Our technical specifications ensure every movie becomes a visual masterpiece, leaving our audience with an unforgettable experience.

We're excited about our expansion and pleased to announce our upcoming multiplexes in Patiala and Ludhiana. These ultra-premium, fourscreen properties will feature fullrecliner auditoriums and the work is currently in progress and expected to commence within this financial year.

Over the next few years, Miraj is set to invest 45-50 crores to develop cinemas throughout Punjab."

Miraj Cinemas takes pride in being the only 100 percent vegetarian national multiplex chain in India. Across all its theatres, the menu exclusively features a delectable array of vegetarian options, reaffirming its commitment to providing a diverse and enjoyable culinary experience for all patrons.

"The launch of Gurdaspur Miraj Cinemas is a significant stride in our dedication to delivering unparalleled entertainment across the nation. Our commitment extends beyond constructing cinemas; we aspire to create destinations that elevate the entertainment experience.

Our vision is to infuse the magic of cinema into the cultural tapestry of Punjab, spreading joy, excitement, and unforgettable moments across the state. Come join us on this journey as we expand, bringing our unique brand of entertainment to more communities."

– Amit Kumar Sharma, Managing Director, Miraj Entertainment

December 2023 - February 2024 TM-31

• INDIA PLEXING •

PSR Cinemas, Berhampur:

Orissa’s Exceptional Feat of Design

Introducing its first three-screen multiplex in the city of Berhampur, Odisha. PSR PRIDE is set to provide the state-of-the-art cinema experience with the latest technology and comfort for the citizens of Odisha. Offering the patrons with a total seating capacity of 804 accommodating couple recliners and sofa slider seats; the concession bar boasting off a backend kitchen with a wide spread of Gourmet Food like Flavoured Popcorn, Wraps, Pizza, Burger, Hotdogs, Shakes of different flavours along with Hot Beverages at the most affordable prices to choose from and a two level basement parking, the patrons are all in for a treat!

Located at Janta City Centre Mall, Berhampur, Odisha, spread over an area of over 22,000 Square Feet.

PSR Cinemas is the most Premium Multiplex, with Modern and Plush Lobby and Concession area and Dedicated Back End Kitchen to get the taste buds tickling for their patrons.

It consists of 3 Audis that have been distinctly designed to give a feel of modern aesthetics and architecture.

With a total seating capacity of 804 with Screen 1 consisting of 280 viewers, Screen 2 and Screen 3 holding 262 viewers. To enhance the comfort, the movie screens are equipped with Ultra Comfortable first in Class 36 Couple Recliner Seats and 48 Couple Sofa Slider Seats.

The Audis have been distinctly designed keeping in mind that every cinema hall looks different and moviegoers feel like they have visited a new cinema every time they watch a

TM-32 December 2023 - February 2024

movie in another screen. Top of the Line JBL Sound system and Crown Amplifiers have been installed to get the Best of the Sound in Screen 2 & 3.

equipped with the Latest Sound Technology i.e. Dolby Atmos with Pulz Energy Series Speakers which gives the Best of the Output.

Audi 1 has been designed giving it a modern retro look with Names of Hollywood, Hindi & Telugu movies names placed in Audi Walls. Audi 1 is

The Multiplex boasts of a world class ambience with First-in-Class LED display around the Column Structure for an immersive movie trailer

• INDIA PLEXING • experience. To enthrall the audience with an immersive experience two of the screens have been installed with Laser Projection System with JBL top of the line Dolby 7.1 Sound system and One Screen has been Installed with Christie 2215 2k Projection system with Pulz Energy series Dolby Atmos Sound System along with Double Beam 3D system which brings the 3D watching experience alive.

The content played at PSR Cinemas ranges from all genres, they play movies in 4 languages (Hindi, English, Odiya, and Telugu) As the city holds more than 40% Telugu speaking population, the cinema caters to this demographic as well. The most popular movies in this cinema are mostly in Hindi and Telugu! The audience here are mostly students and office patrons between the ages of 18 to 35.

Chandeliers, Profile Lightings and Signage. It has been designed by placing Ample LED screens and the most unique feature is the LED placed in the middle column of the lobby for running the trailers of the upcoming movies.

Utmost care has been taken in designing the lobby using parametric architecture, LED displays,

The Concession (SnackBar) boasts a backend Kitchen with Wide spread of Gourmet Food like Flavoured

Popcorn, Wraps, Pizza, Burger, Hotdogs, Shakes of different flavours along with Hot Beverages at the most affordable prices to choose from, for the patrons.

In the cinema's architectural endeavour, PSR Pride has embraced a parametric design, a methodology that seamlessly blends an artistic vision with technical precision. This

December 2023 - February 2024 TM-33

• INDIA PLEXING •

approach was instrumental for several reasons. Firstly, to infuse the space with an array of shapes, forms, and angles, creating a dynamic visual experience. These design elements are not only aesthetically captivating but also strategically positioned to optimise lighting and ambience, ensuring each corner of the theatre exudes a unique ambience, enticing the audience with a fresh vibe as they explore. Additionally, they introduced a novel approach to the cinema experience by employing three distinct colour themes at the entryways to each screen. This deliberate use of colour strategically alters the audience's perspective, preparing the audience for a distinctive cinematic journey with every entrance.

An exceptional feat of the design innovation lies in the revitalisation of the central pillar, which now serves as the canvas for a 360-degree screen.

This transformation enhances the theatre's immersive quality, elevating it

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into a realm where art, technology, and entertainment converge seamlessly. In the symphony of parametric design and thoughtful touches, they have crafted an architectural marvel that promises to redefine the very essence of cinematic engagement.

PSR Cinemas has always aspired to be a 'Common Man Multiplex' offering world class cinema watching

experience along with affordable Food options for their patrons and PSR Pride at Berhampur would be a game changer for the state of Odisha as Berhampur is the Second Biggest Movie watching city with vibrant culture of Art & Entertainment. They are now one of the leading exhibitor of Odisha with presence in 4 cities of the state and is expanding further in the state of Odisha.

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E •

IMAX's Indian Odyssey It's been 20 years since the first IMAX screen opened in India, and 10 years since the first Indian IMAX film was released. Is there a market for the cinema technology company here?

Station. When Nolan was shooting Oppenheimer, IMAX also helped him modify its equipment to shoot scenes in black-and-white, another first.

The marketing worked. Oppenheimer made over INR100 core (~$12 million) at the Indian box office; a large chunk came from the sale of IMAX tickets, which cost anywhere from 2X a normal ticket to as high as INR 2,450. The film gave IMAX one of its biggest opening weekends of all time.

Some tickets to this week's IMAX release, Jawan, are also selling for about INR 2,000 ($24) each.

Photo by Noom Peerapong on Unsplash

Do you remember the first time you watched an IMAX film or a 3D film?

For some, it might have been a documentary during a school trip to one of India's 'Science Cities' (mine: a space documentary at the full dome 3D theatre in Science City Kolkata).

Or perhaps you remember picking up your first pair of 3D glasses to go watch James Cameron's ‘Avatar’ back in 2009.

IMAX is among the most recognisable of these cinema technologies today. It used to be the obsession of science and cinema nerds or actual film professionals.

Now turned into an entertainment option ordinary Indians want to pay extra for.

Yet, over twenty years since the first IMAX screen opened in India, the technology company merely has a toehold in the country's film industry.

So, the question is: Can IMAX go mainstream in India?

Christopher Nolan's biographical film Oppenheimer will be among India's biggest box office successes this year. And a big reason for that is IMAX. A lot of the film's hype was around the fact that Nolan had shot it entirely on an IMAX film camera, a rare distinction.

In the 1960s, a group of Canadian filmmakers and an engineer invented a screen and projection system to show films in a large format-so large that viewers were blown away by the panoramic images. The first IMAX film, Tiger Child, debuted in Japan in 1970 but it was decades before the company invented more technology (including cameras and film conversion technology), raised funding, and became a permanent fixture of bigbudget Hollywood films.

Nolan was the first director to take the million-dollar IMAX cameras from science museums and use them to shoot a feature film (The Dark Knight, 2008). Since then, few others have had a chance to do this, including astronauts at the International Space

All this is happening along with a significant jump in the number of Indian IMAX films, from just one to two a year (if any) to five in 2022 and another five this year as well, across the Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada film industries.

It has taken the Canadian firm IMAX Corporation more than 20 years to build more than just a marginal presence in India. Since opening its first screen in 2001 in Mumbai, IMAX has 25 screens in India today, including a standalone IMAX theatre in Delhi and another to be opened at Mumbai's iconic Eros Cinema.

"When we released the first Hindi IMAX movie Dhoom 3, we had a mandate to get it to 10 screens. We were struggling to get there," IMAX Corporation's Preetham Daniel told The Impression in an interview. He is the Vice President of Theatre Development for IMAX Asia-Pacific (excluding China) and joined the company's India arm early, in 2004.

"We only had two IMAX theatres.

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• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • and the other was a flat screen in Hyderabad. I used to knock on the doors of all the big cinema chains you can think of, and nobody would answer my calls back in the day."

India is one of the world's biggest film markets (the biggest by volume of films produced). So why has IMAX taken so long to get more than a toehold in India?

Money Machines First, a quick recap. How does IMAX Corporation make money?

IMAX sells technology, equipment, and services to two kinds of customers: exhibitors (aka cinema hall owners) and filmmakers. Only one kind of customer will not do; to make money, the company needs content and the screens equipped to show it.

In the Indian context, the majority of IMAX's money comes from: Equipment: Licensing IMAX projectors and screens to cinema hall owners for a fee or share of revenue along with maintenance fees. These are 10-year contracts with a few extensions.

Conversion T ec hnology: Also called Tec echnology: 'Digital Re-Mastering,' this technology converts a regular film for IMAX screens. The company usually gets a share of ticket sales as payment, per its annual report.

So here lies IMAX's initial problem: Which customer should it go after first and for how long?

"It is always a challenge to get started," Daniel says. "It's a chicken and egg story, to be honest. The theatre chains always said, 'Give us more movies and I will give you more screens.' And movie makers said, 'Give us more theatres and we will give you more movies.'"

IMAX prioritised opening screens first because there were Hollywood films to show. But, Daniel explains, it was

TM-36 December 2023 - February 2024

Harish Arjun/The Signal

difficult to show filmmakers that investing in IMAX conversions was worth their while.

in Hyderabad, opened in 2002. Both the exhibitor and IMAX make money only if people actually buy tickets.

Local Fine-Tuning

As of today, there are 25 operational IMAX screens in India, while contracts for another 15 locations are in process. "I want to touch the 30screen mark by the end of this year," Daniel says.

IMAX made adjustments to woo the Indian market.

First, it ditched its more popular deal structures to offer hybrid models to exhibitors. Here, the cinema owner makes a fixed upfront payment for the IMAX equipment and the rest is repaid as a percentage share of revenue earned from IMAX screenings.

"This is another element [wherein we are] relaxing our business model itself for the country," Daniel said. "We understand India has lower ticket prices, and the entry barrier may be much higher. So, we changed the way we would structure our deals a few years ago. Today, it's a lot cheaper [to get an IMAX screen] than what Prasads would pay." Prasads operated India's second IMAX screen

But IMAX told investors in an earnings call this April that opening new screens in India was a tedious process. There are so many individual exhibitors in India that it's difficult to crack a deal for tens of IMAX screens in one go, CEO Rich Gelfond told investors. "It's much more blocking and tackling, and it will take some time. And then, the third thing I would say about India is that construction and rollout takes much more time there. There's more bureaucracy, there's more approvals, there's more government intervention," he said.

Second, the company made it easier (and cheaper) for filmmakers to have

• S P E C I A L F E AT U R E • their films converted to IMAX. "If you look at Dhoom 3 and some of the earliest movies we did in India, all of those movies had to be sent to Los Angeles for the DMR process," Daniel says. "That involved time constraints because you're working in different time zones. And with censor cuts [from the Central Board of Film Certification], you had to go back and forth across a time-zone difference."

Now, IMAX Corp has partnered with Mumbai-based visual effects studio Prime Focus. "They are well-versed in what the [CBFC] rules and regulations are, so we are able to turn around a film much faster, almost 1015 days before release."

That might explain the rise in the number of IMAX films in India. It also helps that the company has many more screens opening in India now than in the last two decades, including in smaller cities like Coimbatore. Daniel says the company no longer has to pursue filmmakers to consider the IMAX format.

"Until we didn't have the footprint [of IMAX screens], converting to IMAX did not bring in incremental revenue," he says. "Today, we bring in substantial incremental revenue for every movie released in IMAX. That understanding has set in. I do get calls from people saying they would like to do an IMAX movie. Now, it is for us to choose the right movie for the IMAX canvas."

To convince the film industry to adopt a new, expensive technology, all it takes is a few big hits. The sound systems firm Dolby Labs launched Dolby Atmos in India in 2012 with a theatre in Chennai. But after Rajinikanth starrer Sivaji 3D released in Dolby Atmos in 2017, the number of theatres fitted with the sound system grew to 500 screens in just two years.

Not T here Y et There Yet So, exhibitors and filmmakers are finally getting excited about IMAX in India. But compared to other markets, India is far behind.

Consider this: when the company opened its second screen in the country, in Hyderabad in 2003, India and China had the same number of IMAX screens. Today, China (along with Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau) has nearly 800 screens, while India is at just 25.

"The multiplex revenues have grown, but our universe of screens that we should have had in this country is below par," Daniel says. "We were at about 10,500 screens in total three years ago. Post-Covid, this has actually come down by about 1,500 screens. China has 60,000-65,000 screens, while we are stuck at 9,000."

India is also a marginal presence in IMAX filmmaking. Among "local language" films, as IMAX calls it, China is the biggest contributor, followed by Japan. India is part of the "Rest of World" segment even in its latest investor presentation (pdf).

This, despite CEO Gelfond telling investors the company is talking to Indian filmmakers about using IMAX cameras. "..This one filmmaker I know of in India, I've talked to myself who's starting a project probably in about six months, who intends to film it with IMAX cameras," he said in the investor call quoted above.

Three years ago, IMAX launched a "Filmed In IMAX" programme to certify cameras made by manufacturers such as Sony and ARRI to work in the format. Top Gun: Maverick and Dune were among the first films marketed under this programme. But India hasn't had a 'Filmed In IMAX' title yet, although the 2022 Telugu film RRR was shot using IMAX-certified cameras.

IMAX India/Instagram

Daniel says the company needs to cross two barriers before it can get films shot in, and not merely converted into, the IMAX format.

First, it needs to find a filmmaker willing to actively work with the company's executives on the making of their film. "It's not just about handing over a camera and saying: go shoot!" Daniel says. "There is a whole lot of involvement by IMAX into making the movie. We think there is a way to shoot a film in IMAX which will be more immersive. Sometimes, it may be a very foreign concept for a filmmaker."

Second, the company needs a bigger network of screens before it can officially launch local films made (and not converted) in IMAX. "We are in active discussions with many, many filmmakers," he said. "When I have 50-60 IMAX [screens] in the country, I'm pretty sure all sorts of DMR-ing, cameras, and 'Filmed For IMAX' programmes will all be very, very active."

This article was first published in The Impression [link: https:// theimpression.thesignal.co/p/imax-pvrcinemas-nolan-jawan] by The Signal [link:https://thesignal.co/newsletters/ theSignal]

December 2023 - February 2024 TM-37