The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Multiplexes set to redefine film-watching

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 19, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Multiplexes set to redefine film-watching

G. Krishnakumar

In future, going to the theatre would be an enjoyable experience

WHOLESOME FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: A multiplex in Bangalore. Similar complexes will be sprouting up in Kochi soon.

KOCHI: Like watching a movie in a theatre having extra legroom with comfortable cushioned slideback seating and pushback armrests?

The dream will soon turn into reality, as film lovers in the city get ready for the ultimate in movie watching.

Redefining the conventional ways of viewing a movie, multiplexes are making their way into the commercial heartland of the State in a big way.

Key players

Even though the project is only in its nascent stage, sources in the film industry say that key players in the entertainment sector like Reliance Adlabs, Pyramid Saimira and DT Cinemas – the entertainment wing of real estate major, DLF, have plans to set up multiplexes here in future.

The multi-crore entertainment industry in the country is buoyed by the growing population of IT professionals and other high-income earning groups in Kochi.

They are equally encouraged by reports that the proposed SmartCity and similar ventures would draw thousands of professionals in the next five to ten years.

Different experience

Expectations are high that these high-end groups would turn clientele of the multiplexes that provide an entirely different experience.

It would meet the varied interests of a film-loving family who want to expand a movie outing into an occasion for multiple experiences like eating out and shopping from their favourite outlet.

Multiplexes coming up here will offer state-of-the-art facilities like world-class cinema projection system, excellent acoustics, wall-to-wall carpeting and pushback armrests for the audience.

A complete entertainment zone, a multiplex will have several screens.

For instance, the number might go up to five to 10 screens in a multiplex.

The choice will be wider. And it will have everything for a family.

If your children are bored watching a movie, you can leave them at the children’s play zone in a multiplex.

You could also switch plans by buying tickets for a children’s movie shown on another screen in the same multiplex.

IMAX 3D digital screen, food and beverage lounges, special screens for children and sports screens will be some of the added attractions in multiplexes.

Water fountains

Some of the players are also planning laser lights and water fountains to increase patronage in these spots. Multiplexes will also have childrens’ play area with leather-cushioned seats furnished with toys.

Some of them have food courts spread over 10,000 sq.ft.

Industry sources said that even the bigger multiplexes in cities like Mumbai are getting a face-lift thanks to the pace with which Indian entertainment industry seems to be growing. Double-digit numbers of screens are coming up in various places.

The real estate sector is also eyeing the prospect of allocating space for multiplexes in big malls coming up in Kochi. The entertainment and realty industries will be mutually promoting each other’s interests.

The merchandisers hope that movie enthusiasts will drop in to their space. And the film industry is counting on converting the milling crowds in the mall into movie buffs.

Ticket rates

But the ticket rates would be a worry, as multiplexes charge in the range of Rs. 200 and above for a film.

For instance, a family of five would have to shell out Rs. 1,000 for watching a movie.

In an ‘A’ class theatre, the rates for this family would not cross Rs. 500 even if the exhibitors hike the ticket rate to Rs. 100 for a person. But multiplex promoters promise a break from cramped and damaged seats, poor acoustics and air conditioners that work only till the interval of a movie.

Raising standards

Industry sources say that this would force the existing exhibitors to raise their standards and offer their customers a better experience.

The success of multiplexes coming up in the city depends on its location and accessibility. Congested arterial roads here would also be a worrying factor for both the realty and entertainment sectors.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala

News Update

Stories in this Section