ITV

Tag: Inox

  • How to bring audience back to cinema halls?

    How to bring audience back to cinema halls?

    MUMBAI: The Covid2019 pandemic has ravaged the film and exhibition sectors the most. With the aviation industry and restaurant services opening up soon it would be interesting to see how cinemas in India are prepping. Also, there’s nothing for this sector in the packages announced by prime minister Narendra Modi. There has been some ease in rental and electricity charges but it varies from state to state. These are the pertinent issues that need to be addressed. In a virtual conference hosted by UFO Moviez India Limited under the aegis of FICCI, industry stakeholders discussed the various issues that have been afflicting the film and exhibition segment, the way forward, the precautions to be taken at the cinema halls, etc.  

    The main area of concern is about the standard operating procedures that will be followed by cinema halls once things are back to normalcy.

    Due to panic created by the Covid2019 outbreak, people are not willing to come to theatres. At the same time, there is a severe OTT fatigue among viewers as well. So the question arises: What measures can be taken to regain the confidence of the audiences and restore the trust of the cinema-going audience?

    INOX Leisure Limited CEO Alok Tandon said: “Our first objective is to bring trust among audiences. At INOX, we have divided the entire thing in three buckets. Pre-resumption, post-resumption and lastly the visit of audiences. We are taking various processes and initiatives to ensure they feel safe once they go home. These are the aspects we are currently working on.”

    About the social distancing and hygiene measures, Tandon said that the company is looking at how guests don’t crowd the cinema halls and maintain specific distance. Another important thing is the allocation of seats. They are also working on movie schedules and timings to avoid gathering during entry, intermission, exit points, lobby and rest rooms. Where safety and hygiene measures are concerned Tandon said that a lot of man hours went into ensuring guests are safe; they are encouraging people to use paperless transactions at every counter. They are also using thermal guns to check temperature. There will be dedicated hand sanitiser stations installed at theatres. There are SOPs in place to disinfect counters and surfaces. PPE kits will also be introduced in case people are interested to buy them. As far as food supplies are concerned, multiplex chains will bring single-use disposal bags, to avoid reuse of cutlery and crockery.

    “Cinema halls have many similarities to the hospitality, aviation, restaurant and retail sectors. These are unseen times; nobody has a perfect formula for this. We all can learn a lot from each other in this crisis. In this pandemic we have been closely observing what other sectors are doing so that we can also implement that,” he added.

    The Covid2019 lockdown is choking all the production activities across the nation. UFO Moviez India Limited joint MD Kapil Agarwal raised a question if the film exhibition sector and producer’s guild can work together and learn from each other.

    Answering this question, film producer and president Film and Television Producers Guild of India Siddharth Roy Kapur said: “We are looking at exactly the same measures what other sectors are doing. Unfortunately, shoot resumption is in the same lines with cinema resumption. It is the last thing to be started. The biggest issue for us is if there is going to be some sort of curtailment on the number of people you can congregate at the sets. Especially when it comes to film units it is larger as compared to TV units. But the challenge is you need to have a bare minimum number of people on the set to make it productive.”

    Agarwal feels that the capacity issue is not entirely going to affect the film fraternity as the majority of the people are working from home. The concept of weekend shows faring better than weekdays will not make sense now. He thinks that because of this the negative impact will be neutralised.

    “I think a lot of producers and distributors will get signals from how these films are performing at box-offices. When the first lot of people come to cinemas, it is then important for cinema halls to give an impression that we have got our acts together,” said PVR Pictures Limited CEO and chief business planning & strategy PVR Pictures Kamal Gianchandani.

    There are very few movies ready in different languages. Answering whether there is a strong need of releasing movies in all different languages, Telugu film producer studio owner, exhibitor and distributor Daggubati Suresh Babu says, “This idea of dubbing films across languages from Telugu to Hindi or Hindi to Bengali should be done not only in Covid times but post-Covid era also. A few films like Bahubali or Robot have been working like that. There is a huge scope for a lot of regional movies to reach the Hindi market. Usually, the films that do well in dubbing are the ones that are not provided by local films. Now Vijay’s movie Master will have a very big release. Now, is he willing to wait till theatres open up? It is something we need to look at.”

    Daggubati also mentioned about his meeting with Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. He said that the government is very positive about re-starting the shooting. He also pointed that within a week they will get intimation from the CM’s office about resuming the shoot with restrictions. After that, they will explore the possibility of cinema theatres opening up.

    Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

  • Are producers and cinemas heading for showdown on OTT release?

    Are producers and cinemas heading for showdown on OTT release?

    MUMBAI: Nothing compares a theatrical experience: the sprawling screen, overall ambience, high-quality surrounding sound system, the cheering (and sometimes jeering!) crowd, and the overall immersive experience it provides. The pure joy of being there just cannot be supplanted with any other medium. But, the Covid2019 pandemic has necessitated the need for other means of movie release: OTT.

    Cinemas are unhappy with the release of movies directly on an OTT platform by skipping theatrical windows. With the Covid2019 pandemic refusing to fade away anytime soon, theatre release is not possible, at least in the foreseeable future. Will this lead to a showdown between cinemas and producers? Or will there be co-existence to find common ground?

    A recent statement by INOX has pitted the exhibitors against the producers. The cinema chain expressed “extreme displeasure and disappointment” on an announcement made by a production house to release their movie directly on an OTT platform by skipping the theatrical window run. The decision of the production house to deviate from the globally prevalent content windowing practice is alarming and disconcerting, said INOX in a statement.

    According to INOX, cinemas and content creators have always been into mutually beneficial partnerships. “INOX has been investing profoundly towards adding world-class quality screens, across the country, only to provide more eyeballs to the great content being produced. This partnership has endured for decades and has provided succour to each other. INOX will be “constrained to examine its options… and reserves all rights, including taking retributive measures, in dealing with such fair-weather friends.”

    In response to this, producers’ guild of India issued a statement, expressing disappointment at the “abrasive and unconstructive messaging from some of our colleagues in the exhibition sector.”

    “Statements that call for “retributive measures” against producers who decide to take their movies directly to OTT platforms, especially at a time when cinemas are unfortunately closed for the foreseeable future, do not lend themselves to a constructive or collaborative dialogue on the way forward for the industry.”

    The guild said that we are in unprecedented times, facing one of the greatest public health and economic emergencies of our lifetimes. This is a time for the entire film industry to come together with empathy and support for the difficult predicament.

    The production sector (just like the exhibition sector) is suffering hundreds of crores of losses on a daily basis. Elaborate and expensive sets erected for under-production films have had to be taken down due to no date in sight for shoots to resume, with the sunk cost of the set and studio rentals to be borne completely by producers, as insurers refuse to cover the cost. Shoot schedules have had to be abruptly cancelled due to the lockdown, with huge cancellation charges being borne completely by the producer, again with no support from insurers. Interest costs are mounting on amounts raised to fund films, with producers having to bear this additional burden with no date in sight for cinemas to re-open. In this context, the guild said, it is important that each stakeholder understands and empathises with the predicament of the other, rather than adopting an adversarial stance which is counter-productive for the entire value chain.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to producers and directors to seek their reaction in this regard. The overwhelming feeling among the fraternity is that it is a temporary phase and that OTT release is the need of the hour – the product of a peculiar situation like this. Once the situation normalises, theatrical releases will happen and people will throng to watch movies on the big screen.

    Film producer Ramesh Taurani feels that taking the OTT route is the right decision at this point of time.

    “The current scenario has led to producers taking this decision. In an ideal world, these films would release theatrically, but we are still trying to figure a way for theatres to reopen safely. Since the majority of the content is being consumed online right now it is the better call given the pandemic. Producers also have their financial restraints and can’t hold on to their films beyond a point so it definitely is the correct decision right now,” he said.

    Hats Off Production founder Jamnadas Majethia says: “As I always say that these are extraordinary circumstances and unique situations. So such decisions and behaviour will surface till we really don’t have a clarity on the impact of Covid2019.”

    According to him, films have premiered on OTT earlier also. “And we will see ‘houseful’ boards at cinema halls again. These habits of the big screen experience have been built over the number of years and we can’t change it over with a few months of restrictions. The vaccine will do the magic for the world. And till then it will be creations, innovations and survival of the fittest and emergence of good human behaviour that will help us create new opportunities of business,” he adds.

    Malayalam producer-director Anil Thomas said producers have no other option but to release movies in OTT. “Even in the Malayalam film industry we are releasing movies on OTT platforms as we are left with no choice. Theatres are the last thing that will open after lockdown is lifted. So, producers over here have mutually decided to release shows on OTT platforms.”

    According to him, not all the movies will be released but the ones which have low shelf-life or. “Nobody wants to release on OTT platforms; theatre has its own experience but till the time everything will get back to normalcy it will be too late. They are mainly worried because if content gets released on OTT platforms then there will be a shortfall for theatrical films.”

    Anil Thomas feels that theatre bodies and film producers will have to find common grounds. “In the long-run for all of us to survive, there should not be a showdown and all. We have to find a solution. I am also releasing my film Soothy Sujathayum on Amazon Prime,” he said.

    Film director Kunal Kohli said: “Let INOX release what per cent of their revenue is ticket sales vs F&B. No one goes to a theatre to eat, right? Start sharing that revenue with producers as well, before accusing them of trying to survive in a world pandemic never witnessed before by mankind.”

    A user said: “Well sir it is all about business. Don’t forget how many people rely on these cinemas. If everything changes suddenly, who will be responsible for those people who will lose their jobs? Though everything is becoming online, but don’t forget the whole chain.”

    Replying to this, Kunal said: “There is an even longer chain of workers making the films. They also need to survive. Pls read my tweets properly. Theatres like I said WILL survive. Films WILL release in theatres. Some have chosen to go digital. Nothing wrong with that. Need to support them as well.”

  • Team INOX Unlocks Imagination During The 21-Day Lockdown

    Team INOX Unlocks Imagination During The 21-Day Lockdown

    MUMBAI: With a view to contain the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown across the country, which is still in force. The lockdown means that all the citizens of the country are required to stay in the confines of their homes.

    During the lockdown, employees of India’s leading cinema chain, INOX Leisure Ltd, across the country, are spending their time performing inventive and creative tasks. Such tasks not only help them stay panic-free, but also focused and productive. It also allows them to maintain a happy and positive environment at home. Employees were involved in activities like gardening, painting, food photography, toy photography, cooking, bird watching, stop motion video making etc.

    Talking about the innovations, Saurabh Varma, Chief Marketing Officer – INOX Leisure Ltd said, “We have always motivated our colleagues to spend time on their emotional, mental and physical wellness by spending productive time, and the current lockdown is the best opportunity to do so. Once the daily work and home responsibilities are taken care of, our colleagues have been engaging themselves in some truly wonderful activities, and it is indeed very heartening to see this. In the current scenario, when stepping out of the house is not recommended, our colleagues have shown exemplary creativity.”

    Links of Social Media Posts on Employees unlocking imagination:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/INOXMovies/status/1243455971260633090?s=20

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6649304118076768256

  • COVID-19 not to impact quarter registers much: INOX

    COVID-19 not to impact quarter registers much: INOX

    NEW DELHI: The ongoing crisis because of the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has been impacting global businesses adversely. In India, several places, including Delhi, Bangalore, and Maharashtra, have taken actions like shutting down malls and cinema halls to control the epidemic that has taken more than seven thousand lives globally. Along with it, several big production houses have deferred the releases of films, including Sooryavanshi and A Quiet Place 2, to contain the situation. Additionally, the box office numbers were below average for latest releases Baaghi 3 and English Medium.

    This certainly is straining the business of cinema houses and can appear as a red mark in their cash registers when the quarter closes. However, the officials at INOX are not bothered about monetary losses right now and are hoping that they will be able to make up for it when the situation settles down. In an exclusive interaction with Indiantelevision.com, INOX revealed, “Our financials are a function of content. The better the content, the better will be the numbers. The quarter so far has seen the influence of good content, moderate content, and health-related concerns. We completely respect and appreciate the health concerns, and hope that we are able to compensate their hunger for cinematic entertainment once the concerns wane off.”

    The cinema chain is positive that after this momentary glitch, people flock the cinemas once normalcy settles. “There is no doubt that the current situation demands a lot of our attention and focus, and therefore, we are channelising and committing our energies into ensuring a safe and healthy cinema-viewing experience for our guests. But at the same time, we firmly believe that with all the precautions and medical know-how, collectively, we will see through this impermanent phase. Thanks to the unparalleled passion and love for the cinemas, we have always been extremely optimistic about the business. Once the situation normalises, and the movie releases get back on their schedule, we are sure that our guests will start thronging the cinemas as they do always.”

    For those cinema houses that are still functioning across the country, INOX is taking special preventive measures to take care of the health of their employees and customers. “We have increased the frequency of our housekeeping and daily deep cleaning routines. Disinfectants are being used for sanitising and wiping all touchpoints like food countertops, box office counters, armrests, grab rails, door handles & knobs, light switches, and other frequently used equipment. Kitchen stewarding processes have been intensified and are being carried out with utmost care,” said an Inox spokesperson. 

  • INOX celebrates Women’s Day in a truly filmy style

    INOX celebrates Women’s Day in a truly filmy style

    MUMBAI: India’s leading cinema chain, INOX, curated a special campaign for Women’s Day 2020. The campaign invited its patrons and social media followers, especially women, to thank their women friends in their lives in a filmy style. The campaign encouraged them to participate and tag their friends with a famous movie dialogue, which described them best.  The campaign revolves around the thought of celebrating the women who bind us together and help us grow to become the best version of ourselves.

    As a gratification to the quirkiest dialogues, INOX crafted a special gathering for the winners, which offered an experience filled with surprises; a special movie screening, a lunch at Onyx Diner and a few hours of fun filled experience with their girl gang, all at INOX’s premier multiplex, INOX Megaplex, at Inorbit Mall Malad at Mumbai.

    To capture these special moments, a digital video was released on 10th March 2020. The DVC highlights the experience shared by the winners, their journey throughout the day and a complete overview of how INOX made their Women’s day special. 

    Talking about the digital campaign, Saurabh Varma, Chief Marketing Officer at INOX Leisure Ltd. said, "Customer experience and delight have always been of utmost importance at INOX. This Women's Day, we wanted to acknowledge the womenfolk for their unconditional contribution. The idea was to invite Women to celebrate the day with the women they love and spend a memorable at INOX’s flagship property, INOX Megaplex. We are overwhelmed with the response and strive to surprise our customers each new day here at INOX. We want to thank all the participants who pulled out some of the quirkiest movie dialogues to describe their friends."

    INOX is known to engage with its audience through various experiential marketing campaigns, which are a mix of online engagement and offline experiences. 

  • INOX deploys Dolby Multichannel Amplifiers

    INOX deploys Dolby Multichannel Amplifiers

    MUMBAI: Cinema chain INOX Leisure Limited (INOX) today extended its strategic partnership with Dolby, a leader in immersive entertainment experiences to provide the best in class cinema solutions. With Dolby Atmos screens already present at INOX multiplexes across the country, INOX today announced that it will be deploying Dolby’s latest and best in class Dolby Multichannel Amplifiers (DMA). In the process, INOX will be the first Indian cinema chain to acquire the versatile DMA.

    The DMA’s are D Class digital amplifiers which have a smaller footprint that can save a lot of rack space and hence real estate, air conditioning and power consumption. Using DMAs in the audio chains escalates audio reproduction without distortion making the experience better than best. These new-generation amplifiers also bring other benefits like ease of connectivity, less cabling, robust design, built-in redundancies for uninterrupted playback, ability to monitor the health of the amplifiers over central NOC, and also the ability to compensate for a failed speaker till replacement, ensuring consistent and high-end experience for patrons what they expect from INOX.

    INOX has been extremely aggressive in pioneering cinema technologies into the country in order to enhance the cinema-viewing experience of its patrons. A testimony INOX’s technology focus is INOX Megaplex, the world’s first cinema with six different cinema viewing formats. Located at Inorbit Mall, Mumbai, INOX Megaplex houses IMAX, Samsung Onyx LED, ScreenX, MX4D and INSIGNIA formats. INOX also offers Laser Projection and Dolby Atmos experience to its patrons.

    INOX Leisure Ltd CEO Alok Tandon said: “Technology is the cornerstone of our business strategy, and cinema sound plays an extremely critical part in the overall cinema-viewing experience. I am delighted to share that we are further strengthening our association with Dolby with the acquisition of Dolby’s multi-channel amplifier. As we become the first cinema chain in the country to use these versatile amplifiers, we are all set to be more energy-efficient, cost-efficient and space-efficient. We are proud to pioneer one more technology intervention into the country with this deployment.”  

    Friedrich Deininger, Sr. Director, Cinema Sales, EMEA and India, Dolby Germany GMBH, said that Dolby offers a full range of imaging, content management, and accessibility solutions to give audiences an immersive cinema experience with 700+ Dolby Atmos Screen installed or committed in India and over 700+ Dolby Atmos titles in six Indian languages.

    INOX, amongst India’s largest multiplex chains, offers 146 multiplexes and 614 screens in 68 cities.

  • INOX quirks up Valentine’s day with #HonourTheCorner

    INOX quirks up Valentine’s day with #HonourTheCorner

    MUMBAI: INOX Leisure Ltd, one of India’s leading cinema chains, crafted a unique campaign to know the views of its patrons on the ‘corner seats’ in the cinema auditoriums for Valentine’s Day.  The brand took it on itself to ask its audience some fun and quirky questions related to corner seats and Valentine’s Day. Patrons of various age groups were enquired about their views on their actual experience of the corner seats. The reactions were captured and aptly summarized in a video, which was released on Valentine's Day. Tagged as #HonourTheCorner, the interactive video with the audience will surely change the perception about the corner seats.

    Backed by the idea to support love with utmost respect and to shift perceptions, this campaign saw many new and off-beat answers. The video showcased how people have changed their perception towards corner seats and how the notion is so relatable. The video has garnered tremendous engagement and received a phenomenal response digitally.

    Talking about the digital campaign, INOX Leisure Ltd CMO Saurabh Varma said, “We assign a lot of value to consumer insights and perceptions while working on our marketing strategies. Corner seats in cinemas are like Aisle seats in airlines. Everyone loves to sit on them. This Valentine’s Day, we decided to bring out the real story behind the corners seats. The video brings out some very interesting stories from the corner seats, and with our campaign, we intend to honour the decision of our guests of booking the corner seats. We are delighted with the response we have received on this campaign.”

  • How PVR is revolutionizing community movie-viewing in India

    How PVR is revolutionizing community movie-viewing in India

    MUMBAI: India is often the land of contradictions. For everything that is true about India, its opposite is also equally true. It’s no wonder then that despite producing the highest number of movies in the world, India’s screen density remains one of the lowest in the world. 

    As per FICCI Frames Report 2018, India only has 9,600 cinema screens compared to over 40,000 in both China and the US. This despite the fact that in the year 2017, India produced over 1807 films, more than the combined output of China (944) and the US (789), put together. To put it in perspective, India has an abysmal screen density of 8 per million in comparison with 117 per million in the US.

    This anomaly was first noticed by Ajay Bijli, CMD PVR Ltd, more than two decades ago when he forayed into the cinema business with the opening of the first PVR Cinema in Delhi in 1997. Today, PVR commands 821 screens, at 172 properties, in 70 cities (including India and Sri Lanka). On Monday, PVR also launched its first 12-Screen Superplex at Vegas Mall, Dwarka, New Delhi.

    Unveiling the property, PVR Cinemas CEO Gautam Dutta said, “In FY 19-20 we have been successful in crossing the 800-screen milestone and are now looking forward to expanding further. With this we are bringing the city’s first LUXE; designed to offer an unparalleled experience.”

    From four to 821 screens: PVR journey so far

    PVR Cinemas launched India's first Multiplex Cinema PVR Anupam, a four-screen cinema, at Saket, New Delhi, in 1997. In 2004, PVR launched India’s then-largest multiplex cinema PVR Bangalore, with eleven screens. This was also PVR’s first property outside the Delhi NCR region.

    Two years later, PVR was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and in 2008 it achieved the target of 100 screens in India. All this while, PVR also invested in enhancing the movie-viewing experience and in 2011, it launched PVR’s Director’s Cut, a 7-star movie viewing experience.

    Around 2012, PVR went into an acquisition overdrive and bought Cinemax that helped the multiplex chain cross 200 screens. In 2016, PVR acquired DT Cinemas from DLF for Rs 433 crore, adding 32 more screens operating under DT Cinemas to its portfolio. Just two years later, it acquired SPI Cinemas, a leading cinema player in South India with 76 screens operating under brand names like – Satyam Cinemas, Escape, Palazzo, The Cinema and S2. The deal, worth Rs 850 crore, helped PVR Cinemas cross 700-screen milestone and established it as a dominant player in South India.

    Speaking on the acquisition, PVR CEO Gautam Dutta said: “It was a natural course of progression for PVR to strengthen its standing in different regions of the country. South is an extremely important market and SPI Cinemas had a magnanimous hold over the region. The acquisition proved to be a profitable investment, with PVR being able to consolidate its position in the country and also in reaping the benefits of making a well-established entry into the region.”

    With the addition of 12 Screen Superplex, PVR now commands 821 screens in India, including a 9-screen property in Sri Lanka.

    Digitising the movie screen

    From opening India’s first multiplex in 1997 to launching India’s biggest multiplex in 2004, PVR has maintained its leading position by constantly investing in new technologies to enhance movie-viewing experience. The multiplex chain has been at the forefront of scaling up premium cinema formats to offer a mix of “exhibition” and “hospitality” experience with deep audience engagement.

    PVR has now various movie viewing premium screens in its portfolio like – Gold Class, Directors Cut, Imax (both in 2D and 3D), 4DX (launched in 2015 in partnership with CinemaCon), PVR PXL, (home-grown large screen format), PlayHouse (Kid’s Auditorium), PVR Onyx (India’s first LED screen cinema), and PVR Utsav (catering specifically to Tier-II and Tier-III cities).

    In 2018, out of the total 73 new screens opened by PVR Cinemas, 20 were premium screens (Gold Class, IMAX, 4DX, PXL, Playhouse).

    At present, PVR operates 4 screens of Director’s Cut, 37 screens of Gold Class, 9 of IMAX, 16 of 4DX, 08 of P[XL], 12 of Playhouse and 1 of PVR Onyx across the country.

    Apart from these, PVR is also investing in a host of new cutting-edge technologies. PVR Cinemas and CJ 4DPLEX, the world’s leading cinema technology company; signed a deal at CinemaCon 2019 to open 10 ScreenX theatres in India by 2021. Screen X is the world’s first multi-projection immersive cinematic platform which provides moviegoers a 270 degrees viewing experience by expanding the scene onto the side walls.

    In October, PVR unveiled India’s first D-BOX motion seats across five screens in Mumbai. It is also managing PVR Audit-Air-Ium: a clean air theatre format.

    Strategy for Tier-II, Tier-III cities: PVR Utsav

    India’s screen count remains low primarily due to lack of cinema penetration in tier II, tier III and tier IV cities. This presents a large untapped potential for multiplex chains and belatedly businesses are shedding their exhibitions in entering smaller Indian cities with premium movie viewing formats.

    UFO Moviez has launched NOVA and opened properties in smaller cities in Punjab, Maharashtra, Andra, MP and Chattisgarh. Ajay Devgn’s NY Cinemas is eyeing 250 screens in the next 4-5 years with a primary focus on smaller cities. PVR has responded with PVR Utsav.

    Dutta describes PVR Utsav as the “culturally and socially sensitive arm of PVR whose main objective is to provide hygienic, safe and secure cinematic experience to the aspirational audiences in tier II and tier III cities across the country. We are planning to enter into markets for the very first time such as Jaipur, Ajmer, Ambala, Patna, Bhubaneshwar and other cities.”

    Future Course

    The domestic theatrical market grossed Rs 102 billion in 2018. In addition, there are substantial earnings from F&B revenues which are estimated at around Rs 20 billion by FICCI Frames report. This growth in movie business means that PVR’s financials are in a strong position and its profits are increasing y-o-y.

    Last month, PVR reported 35 per cent year-on-year growth in its consolidated net profit at Rs 47.67 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2019. Its consolidated revenue jumped by 37 per cent to Rs 979.40 crore as compared to Rs 714.65 crore in the year-ago period. PVR’s surging revenue and profits will give the company plenty of room to expand and invest in newer movie-exhibition formats.

    There is also a huge untapped potential for expansion in smaller Indian cities and foreign markets as well. The overseas theatricals market for Indian films has grown to $30 billion in 2018.

    PVR has just launched its 9-screen property in Sri Lanka and will add a 7-screen in Colombo soon. However, its domestic rival Carnival Cinemas has made significant inroads in foreign markets. In July 2018, it signed the largest overseas acquisition deal for any Indian multiplex. The company entered into a definitive agreement with Elan Group to acquire Novo Cinemas, which operates 104 screens in the UAE and Bahrain.

    While for PVR, the next natural target would be to touch the milestone of 1000 screens, its nearest rival, INOX, is determined to close the gap with PVR. INOX already has over 600 screens in India and boasts of maximum new signings (around 900). INOX is a key challenger to PVR in metro cities and PVR’s expansion plans in smaller cities will face stiff competition from players like UFO Moviez and Devgn’s NY Cinema.

    While expansion is key, PVR has to tread carefully and be mindful of its huge debt burden. As of September 30, 2019, the company's debt increased to Rs 1,282.52 crore from Rs 1,247.17 crore in March.

    The company, however, is optimistic about its future, and rightly so. Dutta says the future growth looks very exciting.

    “We are on course to achieve the annual target of opening more than 100 screens in the coming months. The expansion will not only happen in Tier I cities but in Tier II and Tier III cities as well. We plan to introduce new concepts in India which the Indian movie-going audience hasn’t heard of. Apart from the opening of cinemas in new cities, with our enhanced offerings, we wish to increase the market size in the developed cities as well,” he added.

  • INOX Launches ‘Megaplex’– World’s First Multiplex With Maximum Formats & Experiences

    INOX Launches ‘Megaplex’– World’s First Multiplex With Maximum Formats & Experiences

    MUMBAI: INOX Leisure Ltd. (INOX), the fastest growing multiplex chain of the country, today launched ‘Megaplex’, world’s first multiplex with maximum number of movie viewing formats and experiences at Inorbit Mall Malad in Mumbai. The 11-screen spectacle built over 60,000 Sq Ft with a total seating capacity of 1586 seats, is Mumbai City’s largest multiplex. Megaplex, with 6 experiential cinema formats, is easily the largest assortment of cinema experiences in the world, and has the capability to screen 60 shows and entertain an audience size of 6000 guests every day.

    Inspired by its brand proposition of “LIVE the MOVIE”, INOX has created this massive experience-driven entertainment destination, which potentially will become the most popular multiplex in the country in the times to come. Designed to deliver lifestyle experiences, the Megaplex will stand as an epitome of ‘Luxury’, ‘Service’ & ‘Technology’, fulfilling the cinema needs of viewers of all age groups.

    Across the 11 screens, the Megaplex offers an attractive mix of internationally acclaimed and INOX’s homegrown formats.

    –          INSIGNIA: INOX’s 7-star format offering the most luxurious movie viewing experience with leather recliners, butler on call, laser projection and an exceptional dining catalogue, serviced by a LIVE kitchen.

    –          Kiddles:  A format specially curated for the little guests, Kiddles has bright & vibrant seats and interiors, along with a lobby, where kids can even rejoice and celebrate.

    –          ScreenX: World’s first multi-projection technology, offering a 270 degree panoramic viewing experience, with projection on three walls of the auditorium.

    –          MX4D: The format which offers the most advanced immersive environment where viewers feel the action happening on screen from the 14 built-in motions and effects programmed in the seats and the theatre walls.

    –          IMAX: the most immersive movie experience in the world, with heart pounding audio, 40% larger image, a dual projection system, highest quality 3D and remarkably striking interiors

    –          Samsung Onyx LED: World’s first cinema LED technology, with 10 times brighter visuals and JBL’s surround sound.

    –          Dolby ATMOS sound and Laser Projection in the mainstream auditoriums complete the cinematic offering

    Megaplex will also be a go to destination for innovative F&B concepts and an elaborate gourmet selection. The menu possesses cuisines ranging from Indian, Lebanese, American, Oriental, Italian, Grill and Thai, besides a whole range of beverages, pop corns and nachos. From in-cinema fine dining experience at INSIGNIA serviced by a Live kitchen, to the Onyx Diner, India’s first single serve buffet spread in a multiplex; the options are varied. Another range of food offering comes from Café Unwind, which serves freshly brewed coffee, detox juices, burgers, sandwiches, ice cream and even waffles. While the F&B counter in the Kiddles lounge would delight with a kids-only menu, the counters operated by some handpicked food brands will complete the gourmet journey, which is highlighted by more than 12 cuisines and around 250 preparations to choose from.

    As an architectural masterpiece in the cinema space, Megaplex lays a perfect example of encapsulating a remarkable design diversity while revolving around its festive and exuberant feel, which neatly stitches together, its 5 expansive lobbies. The high street inspired interiors with ample open spaces will offer a delightful experience to the movie buffs as they walk up to their auditoriums. The biggest design attraction stands in the form of a stunning installation made of golden colored gilded pipes. The structure oozes grandeur and adds an element of infinity to the destination. 

    With 11 screens, potentially casting 60 shows, and entertaining an audience size of 6000 guests every day, Megaplex will offer a huge opportunities for advertisers. The abundant LED displays and the 5 expansive lobbies will allow the advertisers to run experiential campaigns integrated with on-screen advertising.

    Speaking at the launch, Mr. Siddharth Jain, Director – INOX Group said, “Megaplex is a momentous leap, not only in the Indian cinema’s rich landscape, but even in a global context. As the multiplex with the largest assortment of cinema formats in the world, Megaplex solidifies INOX’s position as a force in the global cinema business. With its strong touristic appeal, Megaplex will potentially become a must-visit destination in Mumbai for cinema lovers across the world. I also take this opportunity to thank all our technology partners for their contribution in this journey.  I also congratulate my team, which has done an exceptional job of putting this marvel together.”

    Mr. Alok Tandon, Chief Executive Officer at Inox Leisure Ltd. said, “The launch of Megaplex at Mumbai is an extremely important and strategic business milestone for us as it paves the way for more such large format experience drive entertainment destinations. The 11 screens will allow is to cast about 60 shows and entertain about 6000 guests in a day. As a cornerstone of our ‘experience’ strategy, Megaplex would strengthen our bond with our patrons, while offering them grand and global formats, tantalizing dining options and above all, happy memories.”

  • Tissot rolls-out innovative cinema campaign in collaboration with Khushi Advertising

    Tissot rolls-out innovative cinema campaign in collaboration with Khushi Advertising

    MUMBAI: Tissot, world leader in the Swiss traditional watch industry has rolled-out an innovative on-screen advertising campaign in multiplexes. For this, ambient media agency, Khushi Advertising Ideas Pvt Ltd has helmed a unique multiplex advertising campaign to engage with audience in an interesting manner.

    The currently on-going 6-week campaign includes a 10-second ad film and is being carried out in 360 INOX screens pan India and 30 screens of Carnival Cinemas in Kerala and Goa. The ad film shows the newly launched Tissot Seastar Chronograph watch along with a countdown timer leading to the commencement of the national anthem. The last frame of the ad urges the audience to “please stand up for the national anthem’.

    Tissot’s objective was not to showcase just another product ad film but also to keep the essence of being one of the most accurate timekeepers in focus. Khushi Advertising understood this need and came up with this brilliant idea to make an impact. An ad just before the national anthem is hard to miss but the concept of using a timer leading to the national anthem showcases remarkable social cognizance. This way Tissot got the position, timing and overall concept of the ad perfect.

    Opining on the ideation behind the campaign, Khushi Advertising CEO Vishnu Telang said, “As cinema advertising specialists, it is our responsibility to delight our clients. The countdown timer was included to build anticipation in the audience’s minds. When clients like Tissot appreciate our work, it fires up our creativity. Khushi is proud to be recognised as the fastest-growing ambient media agency in India, providing novel ambient advertising solutions across various avenues.”

    INOX chief sales officer Anand Vishal agreed to this while adding, “Everywhere you go, you are hammered by advertisements. In such an environment, your best bet is to be innovative so that the viewers are actually waiting for the story to unfold. If you cannot capture the audience in the first 5 seconds of the advertisement, you’ve already lost their attention. When Tissot added a countdown timer, it kept the audience hooked to their seats wondering what happens once the timer reaches zero. Such are the advertisements that speak directly to their audience.”