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Tag: Rahul Puri

  • Mukta Arts’ Q3 FY19 consolidated revenues up 33% y-o-y to INR 40.7 core

    Mukta Arts’ Q3 FY19 consolidated revenues up 33% y-o-y to INR 40.7 core

    Mumbai : Mukta Arts Limited today announced the financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended on December 31, 2018, as approved by its Board of Directors.

    Consolidated revenue for Q3 FY19 grew by 33.2% y-o-y; from Rs 30.5 crores to Rs 40.7 crores. Whistling Woods International, a Mukta Arts’ subsidiary in the education business posted a 19% growth in revenue for Q3 FY19. During the quarter, Whistling Woods hosted the CILECT Congress, a globally renowned & prestigious event in the film education fraternity. This was the first time that the event was held in India. It attracted eminent keynote speakers and a total of 171 delegates represented 52 countries.

    Mukta A2 Cinemas, a subsidiary into exhibition business posted a 43% y-o-y growth in Q3 FY19 revenues at Rs 19.7 crores and turned EBITDA positive. The company added 5 new screens recently and its total count as of today stands at 64 screens, including 6 in Bahrain & 10 under its JV with Asian Cinemas.

    For 9M FY19, the company’s consolidated total revenue at Rs 124.3 crore grew by 23%. EBITDA for nine months was Rs 11.7 crore while Total Comprehensive income at Rs 1.7 crore as against Rs 1.4 crore after extraordinary income of Rs 4.3 crore during the corresponding previous nine months of FY18.

    Commenting on its performance, Rahul Puri, Managing Director, Mukta Arts said, “Both our key businesses, exhibition and education reported strong revenue growth during Q3. Even for nine months, the revenue growth of over 20% is quite healthy and we reported a small post tax profit compared to losses during the similar period last year. We see good traction across the businesses.”

  • Mukta A2 Cinemas launches first-ever brand film

    Mukta A2 Cinemas launches first-ever brand film

    MUMBAI: Mukta A2 Cinemas, one of India’s fastest growing cinema-chain from the reputed house of Mukta Arts Ltd., has launched their first-ever brand film that highlights their motto of inclusivity for all. As an entity, they have always endeavored to become the one-stop movie destination for all. The film was created with the sole idea to convey their high quality yet affordable offerings to their patrons.

    The idea behind the campaign was to showcase the premium services available at a affordable-for-all prices at their properties across the country, which makes it the go-to destination for all movie lovers. In the fun video, we see a young man arranging a day out for his family via the seamless Mukta A2 Cinemas mobile application. However, there is a twist that follows and unfolds itself as the video progresses. 

    Shot at the recently renovated heritage property, New Excelsior Mukta A2 Cinemas, the video takes us through the jaw-dropping iconic venue that still holds a nostalgic old-world charm embellished with a touch of modernity; lavish interiors, stunning lights and an age-old stained glass mirror. There is a segment highlighting the plethora of delectable food and beverage options with pouring of fizzy drinks, crackle of buttery popcorn and fresh-made nachos that leap out of the screen. There is also a glance at some of the cinemas' many key amenities; large display screens, table service, comfortable seating, impeccable picture quality and state of the art sound system. 

    At the root of the brand is its aim to provide a premium experience to its patrons without burning a hole in their pockets, and that is exactly what the inspiration behind the video was; to portray the average Indian family with their quirks and inside jokes, having a gala time at the movies. 

    Conceptualised by the creative outfit Boat House Media, the brand film will be played across their 50+ screens, throughout the country and internationally, as well through their social media platforms.

    Mr. Rahul Puri, Managing Director, Mukta A2 Cinema said, “With our first ever brand film, we had to make sure our vision was conveyed immaculately. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to make the cinema experience one that can be enjoyed by everyone. We hope that our efforts will resonate with movie-lovers who will appreciate the premium experience that is promised by us.”

  • Mr. Sachidanand Shetty elevated as Business Head at Mukta A2 Cinemas

    Mr. Sachidanand Shetty elevated as Business Head at Mukta A2 Cinemas

    MUMBAI: Mukta A2 Cinemas, a well- known chain of cinemas from the brand Mukta Arts Ltd has appointed Sachidanand Shetty as the Business Head after his operations in Vice President at Mukta A2 Cinemas. Sachidanand possesses an overall experience of 20 years across Hospitality and Entertainment segments and has been associated with Mukta A2 Cinemas since August 2014.

    Sachidanand’s current role will be to drive the team and aim at brand building, developing strategies and revenue growth for Mukta A2 Cinemas. He will be responsible for managingall the initiatives and alliances that will lead to the brand’s growth.

    Previously, he has been associated with Inox Leisure Ltd. as the General Manager Operations and Support Team handling Food & Beverage Sales, Controls and Inventory Management, Set Up of New Properties, Projection Digitization, Industrial Relations along with CRM & VAS channels across India from the Mumbai office.

    After his stint with BIG Cinemas for over 3 years since 2007, he joined Mukta A2 Cinemas earlier in 2011 as Regional Manager Operations for almost a year and handled operations in locations like as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Gulbarga, Bhopal, and Vasai.

    In his past, Sachidanand initiated his Career in the Exhibition industry in 2005 with Cinemax India Pvt. Ltd as a Theatre Manager and later moved on to Adlabs Films Pvt. Ltd in 2007 which was later branded at BIG Cinemas (ADAG group).

    Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Puri, MD said, “We are glad to have Sachidanand on board, his skills and expertise in this segment will add value to our brand and its growth. He is strongly proficient with multiple team management and has a great track record of successfully executing projects. His experience under operations, food & beverages, brand and strategy has been appreciated and we look forward to work together once again.”

    Speaking about his stint at Mukta A2 cinemas, Sachidanand Shetty, Business Head at MuktaA2 Cinemas added, “Mukta A2 Cinemas is a brand that has seen a speedy expansion in terms of business in a very short span of time. Our shared Vision, beliefs and ideology will encourage me to further uplift the brand and its offerings. I’m very excited to get into sync with a renewed energy and do some really great work together.”

    When in Leisure mode, Sachidanand enjoys listening to music, travelling, he is also a huge movie buff.

  • Mukta A2 Cinemas launches the newly acquired SunCity Multiplex

    Mukta A2 Cinemas launches the newly acquired SunCity Multiplex

    MUMBAI: Mukta A2 Cinemas, a well known chain of cinemas from the brand Mukta Arts Ltd, announces the launch of its new property SunCity Mukta A2 Cinemas, located at Vile Parle, Mumbai. The launch took place on 15th June 2018 and was celebrated with the release of this month’s most awaited action-drama, Salman Khan starrer, Bollywood movie- Race 3.

    The new property comes with a seating capacity of 305 seats in a screen and is situated in a prime location of the city, with patrons of all age groups visiting the multiplex. To enhance the movie watching experience of the viewers, the theatre is installed with Dolby Atmos cinema sound technology in both the screens.

    With an existing chain of iconic heritage properties across Mumbai that includes New Excelsior Cinema, Jai Hind and Topiwala, Mukta A2 Cinemas will now on be looking after the operations of SunCity Multiplex.

    Commenting on the launch MD Mukta A2 Cinemas, Rahul Puri said, “With every property launch, we intend to enhance and provide the best movie watching experience to our audience. We strive to bring in new developments in terms of comfort and experience, the new cinema is an effort to offer the same to our patrons and extend our presence in Mumbai. We look forward to keep growing and extending our reach in order to serve our viewers consistently. “

  • Mukta div partners Mobikwik, offers 15% cashback on tickets

    MUMBAI: Mukta A2 Cinema, the cinema exhibition arm of Mukta Arts Ltd. – one of India’s esteemed film banners, has announced its association with a digital wallet company, Mobikwik. The cinema chain recently expanded their presence and now has 48 screens in their network.

    Cinema patrons can avail a cash back offer of 15 per cent when they use the Mobikwik Wallet to make payments at any Mukta A2 cinema theater. Following the digital payments route, the cinema chain has associated with the digital wallet company to offer patrons multiple payment choices and various offers when they book tickets across the popular cinema chain.

    Mukta Arts MD Rahul Puri said, “We hope to offer our patrons an additional benefit when they visit our cinemas. Following the digital payments push implemented by the government, we are glad to create these associations and provide our patrons alternate methods for payments.”

    Mukta A2 Cinemas is operating in 14 cities making a pan-India presence to cater to the myriad needs of movie buffs across the country. The company also operates a property in the Middle East at Juffair Mall, Manama, Bahrain with six screens and a seating capacity of 960 people.

  • 2014: An astonishing year for regional cinema

    2014: An astonishing year for regional cinema

    2014 was an interesting year. It started with a great deal of promise but at the end there is a feeling of unfulfillment too.

    What started with new films of different and interesting genres doing well at the box office ended slightly unsatisfied with some big film with a lot of expectation underperforming slightly.

    English content though continued to perform well with a lot of Hollywood’s big films doing really well at our BO. There is an increasing anticipation for these films and every year we are seeing more dubbed languages adding to the size of the release.

    Regional cinema, especially Marathi, has had an astonishing year. Audiences have clearly chosen to enjoy these films because they are telling intimate stories close to their heart. Still lessons were learnt and I think 2015 again holds great promise.

    There were also various trends in content in 2014; perhaps these trends didn’t follow through that well in the second half of the year. Content is certainly king right now and audiences are becoming very selective of the films they see. This is something that will continue, I think as prices for the content rise, people will become more and more elastic, choosing only films that they really want to see.

    I think next year has a lot of terrific looking films lined up and I expect films to build on this expectation to push audiences to the cinemas.

    Social media and the connected mediums will continue to drive a lot of reaction and indeed influence content. This trend will continue to get stronger as more and more people join the medium. Content viewing online is something that will also grow strongly. Without doubt this is an area where mobile internet will help greatly and the promise of 4G will fuel the need for content and the desire to consume it.

    I also think the trend of over-marketing films will also continue. Maybe for a short term but at the moment I truly feel marketing budgets are out of sync with the feasibility of a lot of the films they are being spent on and this is a slightly worrying trend. Sadly, there are no trends this year that have died out! I think there are always trends that die out and then slowly re-emerge as a ‘new’ trend again a few years later but I don’t think trends die out completely.

    Old wine in a new bottle is what our films are based on and I don’t think our audience will tire of that anytime soon.

    (These are purely personal views of Mukta Arts MD Rahul Puri and indiantelevision.com does not necessarily subscribe to these views.)

  • Mukta A2 Cinemas launches first property in Bhopal

    Mukta A2 Cinemas launches first property in Bhopal

    MUMBAI: Mukta Arts has launched its 10th high tech multiplex in Bhopal on 14 November at People’s Mall.

    Commenting on the launch, Mukta Arts chairman Subhash Ghai said, “My hearty congratulations to our brilliant team of Mukta A2 Cinemas on the opening its 10th high tech multiplex in Bhopal on November 14, 204. This year, Mukta Arts has recently celebrated its 37th anniversary in show business of India and its feels great that Mukta A2 Cinemas is launching its 10th property in the same year.”

    Spread across 23,000 square feet with four screens and a seating capacity of 775, the theatre boasts of comfortable recliner seats at affordable prices, which is an exclusive offering to the movie going audience in Bhopal. The property also offers state-of-the-art technology with Dolby digital sound complimented by a soothing ambience with comfortable seating and an exciting variety of F&B options.
    In terms of marketing, the brand is reaching out to movie lovers by means of hoardings, bus branding, television tickers and newspaper advertisements.

    Speaking about the launch, Mukta Arts MD Rahul Puri commented, “It’s with great pleasure that Mukta A2 Cinemas opens its 10th property in the wonderful city of Bhopal. The people of this terrific city can now enjoy great movies in the comfort of a world class theatre at extremely competitive prices. The theatre is also in the heart of the City – People’s Mall, poised to be on the city’s retail hotspots.”

    Mukta Arts is one of the leading players in the Indian film production and distribution industry. It has also ventured into launching its own brand of multiplex theatres, Mukta A2 Cinemas, which is spread across 28 screens in India. The existing screens located in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Gulbarga, Vishakapatnam, Banswara, Sailu, Hyderabad and Sangli has received a tremendous response and strengthened the company’s goal to provide an enriching movie-watching experience.

    As part of their impending plans, Mukta A2 Cinemas aims to launch in cities like Mumbai, Gurgaon, Dehradun and Aurangabad, promising the best movie experiences to movie lovers.

     

  • Marketing costs and independent films, an uneasy mix, says Rahul Puri

    Marketing costs and independent films, an uneasy mix, says Rahul Puri

    How many of us actually watch small films? Films that perhaps don’t have the big star cast or the big directors. Maybe there are films that don’t have the backing of big studios and will rely heavily on word of mouth from the target group, referring it to peers. How many of us really go to the theatre, pay Rs 250+ and watch these films?

     

    I doubt the answer to my question is, many, if we are being honest. The reality is that in spite of most of us moaning about the quality of storytelling in films, we generally base our film watching decisions on factors like star cast and the amount of marketing visibility. The small films usually lack these ingredients and therefore, they are not top-most in the minds of the viewers when it comes to choice for consumption. And this is usually despite the potential of their story.

     

    Forgive me for this roundabout way of getting to the point. There is a huge issue of marketing films in our business and the smaller, independent films (the films a lot of people laud as ‘good cinema’) usually ends up with the short end of the stick. An old time distributor would call these films ‘art-house’ or say they aren’t commercial and therefore, they can’t be marketed well. But there is a distinction between something that is targeted to a niche and something that is completely unmarketable.

     

    One of the large issues that our business has to address over the next few years are niche films and how we deal with them and create a viable business model for them. The West has art house theatres and a thriving independent circuit including channels, festivals and markets where films out of the mainstream can find a way to be commercial in nature.

     

    India has to find a way to resolve this issue too. We have many terrific films that don’t make it to theatres and therefore, we deprive our audiences of seeing some really great films. Look at the films that win National Awards. How many of us actually see them outside their home state? Would it not make sense for the rest of the country to see them? Are these stories that wouldn’t resonate with other Indian audiences? I can’t say the answer is yes for sure but in general it has to be true.

     

    Marketing costs and promotional expenses is one of the main bone of contention here. A film is considered impossible to release if it can’t justify a certain spend on marketing and promotion. The absolute amount of this figure has grown over the years thanks to increase in prices of media as well as the growth of media outlets and platforms. Today a film is deemed to have had a poor release if it doesn’t do the latest reality shows, launch a motion poster at a 5 Star hotel or do an eight city tour for press and promotion. All this, plus traditional forms of advertising and other marketing tools costs money. Lots of it. Where do little, independent films get this money from?

     

    Moreover, if a small film does get this finance, how do they decide what is actually effective and what is not? Marketing campaigns have a template to them these days and all agencies try to enforce this upon producers stating previous successes or competitors spend. This sometimes is relevant but mostly it’s about consuming the all important inventory that most of the agencies, channels and platforms need to exhaust in order to enhance profitability. Whether it’s needed, effective or even useful for a particular film is secondary at times. Thus, a small film is over burdened making it more unprofitable thus perpetuating the cycle that these films are generally a huge risk.

     

    So what’s the solution? Well, better and more innovative marketing planning, campaigns and execution. Most of which is probably available and there are agencies and marketing gurus out there capable of delivering. It will just take a producer or a studio the gumption of saying no to the herd mentality and giving it a real shot. The filmmakers really deserve it.

  • “Govt. doesn’t recognise the importance of cinema”: Subhash Ghai

    “Govt. doesn’t recognise the importance of cinema”: Subhash Ghai

    Born to a dentist father in Delhi, Subhash Ghai entered the film industry in 1970 after attaining his diploma from Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). The film director, producer and screenwriter, known for his works predominantly in Bollywood has given notable films like Kalicharan (1976), Karz (1980), Hero (1983), Meri Jung (1985), Karma (1986), Ram Lakhan (1989), Saudagar (1991), Khalnayak (1993), Pardes (1997), Taal (1999) and Black & White (2008).

     

    In 2006, he set up his own film institute Whistling Woods International in Mumbai. The institute trains students in filmmaking: production, direction, cinematography, acting, animation. Ghai has done brief cameos in his directorial ventures.

     

    Mukta Arts managing director Rahul Puri spoke to Ghai to know about changing times, new vertical of the business, the market scenario and much more.

     

    Excerpts:

     

    Tell us about the differences in the film industry today from when you joined? How has the influence of branding and other media (like television and digital) changed the way that the film industry is perceived now?

     

    The main difference in the film industry is that now it has become broad in terms of media, technology, and communication from what it was in 1970s. Earlier in 70s, films were the only mass media to entertain people whereas today there is a huge growth in terms of content and reach in television, radio, digital and social media, which has taken entertainment to a different level. Nowadays, branding has become ‘THE’ thing for today’s generation. A sports man, a fashion designer or a chef, everyone has turned themselves into brands and tell me who hasn’t? Film industry might be only one dimension of the entertainment world, but it still holds a major importance and impact in media.

     

    The film industry continues to be iconic yet the size and scale of the industry is comparatively smaller than many others. Is the mindspace the industry occupies today in terms of influence and marketing justified? 

     

    No. The film business is a showmanship and a business we term as ‘Showbiz’, which influences all other industries like television, digital, music, events, fashion, and festivals with a big dividend. So, if you have a look at the film business in the theaters, it is very discouraging. But on the other hand, we are also involved in other aspects of media business such as satellite rights, music, events, branding, franchising that brings more money than theater business. Henceforth, marketing has become a bigger gamble to attract initial draw towards theaters and even to other aspects of media. 

     

    Where do you see the film industry reaching in the next decade? Will this growth/change come from new content or new delivery platforms (digital/theatres/mobile)? Where is the best hedge for risk in the industry today?

     

    Film industry always survived because of its bigger frame images in cinema halls. Cinema experience is a social bonding for people, it is a collective gathering, it is an event, a festivity! It can cover many weekends if the movie is really brilliant, and to create its presence such films run in maximum theaters. And now with the changing technology and improving higher standards, we will see a drastic change in theaters with 180/360 angle big screens to draw audiences from their homes. 3D, 4D and 5D theaters, mobiles, big watches and so on, the digitisation will bring Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore on first day of release in theater and television screens simultaneously. Content will be improvised accordingly, and more fantasies genre will be touched upon as I firmly believe that ‘a child in a man will never die’.

     

    People talk about a new type of content coming into to Indian films. Is this a hype? Are we actually telling newer stories or is the format of our storytelling changing but the core remains the same?

     

    Content keeps developing with time. Film content will soon adapt the following and some of which are already taking place such as:

    1.     Real life issues/biopics
    2.     Super star fantasies in mainstream style treatment
    3.     Science fiction
    4.     Animation – mythology/kids fantasies

     

    India has a lot of rich content in terms of stories in its heritage; soon, maybe by 2015, it would dominate internationally with its content. Though, it is said that there are only 36 plots in human drama, Shakespeare and Mahabharta says it all.

     

     

     

    There is a trend today about remakes. Some of your own films are being remade. How do you feel about that and do you think the remake trend is causing original content to suffer?

     

    Honestly, if you ask me I think nothing is original. Art itself is an imitation of universal existence and its various versions thereafter. A film like Aurat in 1940 was made Mother India in 1957 which was remade as Dewaar in 1975. We all should look at remake as an adaptation, transformation, inspirations of same plot which touched millions of hearts and souls… and the adaptation from a different filmmaker’s perspective makes the content looks fresh. Every remake comes with new packaging as ‘old wine in a new bottle’, but only classic stories will be repeated like our epics which are evergreen.

    What is the key to being successful in the content creation business? There are so few people who are able to sustain it. What do you attribute your success to?

     

    According to me the key factors are – develop your skill for the business, do market research, have a talent for ideation and innovation! My quest is to observe life and to present current and old dishes in new plate and that is my strength.

     

    You are very active on social media platforms. What do you feel is the benefit of this media and is it really something that will revolutionise marketing of entertainment?

     

    My only personal factor in being active in social media is to connect with the people I do not know as it widens my horizon and I can express directly to them. So we talk about our work to people and take feedback from strangers too, it develops your skill to improve as well. Such open platforms are good ways to communicate.

     

    What are your hopes from the new government, both at the centre as well as in Maharashtra. The film industry, as mentioned, is iconic in brand and has a lot of brand value but this doesn’t always deliver incentives to the industry from the government. Do you think this will change?

     

    Unfortunately, the government at the center or state level has never recognised film industry what it deserves, they don’t share the vision as it can be powerful media to influence people. It’s a major device to develop a culture in children of tomorrow. With the government, it’s not only the financial issue; it’s the issue of recognition of ‘importance of cinema’ that the government needs to look into. Please study what American cinema has done to its own country and how it has influenced other major countries and India is nowhere close to it, yet. Cinema speaks about your country, culture and brings tourism and business.

     

    The government has set up a new Skills Ministry. Given your involvement with education at Whistling Woods, what do you think will be the benefit of this to the film industry?

     

    This is the first positive step taken by the new government, which brings big hope to fulfill my dream to see India to be known as the ‘Big Think Tank’, an ‘ideator’ rather than just a doer. Whistling Woods has been doing this since its inception in 2003. If you look at most of our alumni, they all are actively working towards bringing a new change in cinema and media industry.  They are doing brilliant in their respective cinema and media jobs. I only hope and wish that government should be able to recognise this soon.

  • Mukta A2 cinemas makes its twin debut – Hyderabad and Sangli

    Mukta A2 cinemas makes its twin debut – Hyderabad and Sangli

    MUMBAI: MUKTA A2 CINEMAS, where movies come to life, made its debut in the multiplex entertainment in the year 2012 with its first screens in Ahmedabad and Baroda. Withover 8 cinemas and 23 screens in the last two years across cities in India, MUKTA A2 CINEMAS is all set to make its debut in Hyderabad and Sangli on July 25, 2014. The movie-goers of Hyderabad and Sangli will now have a landmark in their city to watch blockbuster hits with state of the art technology at affordable prices.

    One of India’s most reputed and esteemed film banners, Mukta Arts Limited has been giving its audiences the best of on-screen entertainment for decades. As the country’s leading production house with business interests across the entertainment spectrum, Mukta Arts has been the largest content provider in the country with over 500 screens with a library of over 35 hit films. Climbing up the ladder, the company has created its own brand of multiplex theaters MUKTA A2 CINEMAS to provide cinematic experience to movie-lovers.

     

    Each property under this banner is designed with state of the art acoustics, comfortable seating, soothing ambience, Dolby digital sound with varied F&B options, 2K digital projection and recliner seats givingmovie-lovers thebest quality and standards in the business. The primary goal of MUKTA A2 CINEMAS is to provide a multiplex experience in cities beyond the metros at affordable prices. Apart from showcasing latest Hindi movie releases, MUKTA A2 CINEMA also caters to the needs and preferences of its audience by bringing movies of local language.

     

    Commenting on MUKTA A2 CINEMAS launches Rahul Puri – Managing Director, Mukta Arts Ltd said, “The launch of our two new properties in Hyderabad and Sangli demonstrate the commitment Mukta Cinemas has to rapidly becoming a top 5 exhibitor domestically. These two very different properties show that the company is diversifying its product offerings to suits geography and demographics. Our patrons will be thrilled by the quality and service offerings and we expect to build a loyal customer base rapidly. Mukta Cinemas is committed to reaching its goal of 100 screens within the next year and post this launch 5 more properties will launch in 2014.

     

    MUKTA A2 CINEMAS is launching Hyderabad and Sangli properties on July 25, 2014, taking that forward, the companyis all geared to launch 5 more multiplexes – Maharashtra, Bhopal, Aurangabad in the coming months to give cine-goers a redefined movie watching experience.