Multiplexes have changed the way people watch movies today. It’s redefined the whole movie going experience for moviegoers. It is safe to say that the single screen theatre is a dwindling number today and thanks to the popularity of the multiplex culture, single screens may soon disappear altogether.
Multiplex as the name suggests consists of a theatre with multiple screens playing many movies simultaneously or at various time slots.
Can you imagine standing in a long queue fighting for tickets for a movie playing on 1 screen? The 3-6-9 show timings is passe today (in most cities), thanks to the multiplexes.
Here we take a look at the top 10 multiplex chains of India:
PVR Cinemas recently entered the Sri Lankan market with a new 9-screen property, PVR Lanka at One Galle Face Mall, Colombo. PVR Lanka presents itself as a one-stop entertainment destination for cinema goers. An exquisitely designed, bespoke lounge is created for the LUXE audience.
PVR
What we know of multiplexes today is thanks to PVR. PVR was the first to introduce the concept of multiplexes in India. PVR OR Priya Village Roadshow cinemas is one of the largest movie chains in India today. It was a joint venture between Priya Exhibitors Private Limited and Village Roadshow Limited. Launched in 1997, today they have around 142 screens and 33 multiplexes spread across India. They revolutionized the Multiplex industry by introducing state of the art audio visual effects, screens, extremely comfortable seating and thereby changed the movie going experience for movie goers.
Big Cinemas
Big Cinemas, formerly known as Adlabs Films is a venture of Reliance Mediaworks Ltd. It was founded in 2001. In India, Big Cinemas have around 260 screens. They have their presence not only in India but also in US, Malaysia and Netherlands. Big Cinemas is one of the leading movie chains with over 515 screens and they cater to over 40 million consumers across the globe.
INOX
When we say Inox, the first thing that comes to mind is the International Film Festival of India which has been hosted by Inox, Goa since 2004. Inox Leisure Limited is a part of the Inox group and also a subsidiary of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd. They are spread across 26 cities across India with 40 multiplexes and 151 screens. They’ve also partnered with Pantaloon Group which provides Inox with access to all real estate developments taken up by pantaloons for its retail chain.
Prasad’s IMAX
Who hasn’t heard of the famous IMAX 3D theatre? IMAX was built by L.V.Prasad group. IMAX has the largest 3D screen in the world which is located in Hyderabad. They also have 5 regular screens alongside the 3D screen. IMAX broke all records with the most number of people visiting the multiplex to watch Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban, spider man-2 and spider man -3 movies.
Cinepolis
If you live in Thane, Amritsar or Bangalore, the name Cinepolis would be known to you. Cinepolis is a fast growing Mexican multiplex chain. They are currently planning to expand to other cities of India such as Patna, Mangalore and Jaipur.
DT Cinemas
If you want the complete retail and entertainment experience, DT Cinemas is the place to go. DT Cinemas is a part of the DLF group. They have 28 screens with a seating capacity of more than 5900 seats.
Esquare Talkies
If you are looking for a fun entertainment destination for your entire family, Esquare Talkies is the place to be. Based in Pune, Esquare Talkies started operations in June 2003 and within a short span of 4 years it has reached the no 1 position in cinema exhibition. So, if you are in Pune, Aurangabad or Mumbai and are looking for a fun place to go, you should definitely go to Esquare Talkies.
SRS Cinemas
SRS Cinemas is a theatre company and a part of SRS Ltd. It is a fast growing company with a chain of multiplexes spread across 6 cities. If there is one company to look out for, it is this one. With the ever growing footfalls in SRS Cinemas, it may soon race to the top of the multiplex business.
Cinemax
When you think of high comfort recliners, push back seats and the ‘Red Lounge’, only one name comes to mind – Cinemax. Cinemax India Ltd. Is a Mumbai based company and a part of the Kanakia group. Cinemax is already spread across various towns in India and are growing steadily. Currently, they have 25 properties with 74 screens all across the country.
City Gold Cinemas
If you are from Ahmedabad, it is highly unlikely that you may not have heard of City Gold Cinemas. Synonymous with entertainment, City Gold is a growing company with 4 operational multiplexes and many more that are planned and coming up across the country in the near future.
