For the ultimate cinematic experience, it is not just movie-watching that counts. Think FEC (fun entertainment centre) and a hassle-free pathway where you can book your seat real time via SMS or Internet, and then use an automatic ticket dispensing machine at the theatre to buy ticket.
It's boom time for multiplexes. Satyam, which shut shop nearly two years ago for renovation, opened its refurbished new-look 1,232 capacity Satyam 4plex in Delhi recently.
Its promoter, Satyam Cineplexes Ltd, has chalked out an ambitious Rs 232-crore (Rs 2.32 billion) plan to set up multiplexes across the country, of which Rs 82 crore (Rs 820 million) has been earmarked for Delhi.
"The single screen model is not viable anymore. Shelf-life of movies is reducing... multiple offering is the only way to survive in the market," says Deven Chachra, director, Satyam Cineplexes Ltd.
Besides the 4plex in Patel Nagar in Delhi, the company is developing two greenfield six-screen multiplexes in the city -- a Rs 40-crore (Rs 400 million) project in the Janakpuri District Centre and a Rs 18-crore (Rs 180 million) project in Nehru Place.
It is also negotiating to open multiplexes in north Delhi and Noida. The money has been raised in 1:1 debt equity ratio with a bank loan.
The company is currently holding talks with the Rahejas and the Kalpatru Group to open 4 multiplexes in Mumbai.
"We hope to enter into lease agreements with real estate partners and have earmarked Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.50 billion) for our Mumbai, Pune and Chandigarh ventures," says Chachra. The company has also signed a national rollout agreement with food chains Café Coffee Day and Subway.
There are plans to create a national circuit and Satyam multiplexes will appear in Kolkata, Bangalore and other towns in the second phase.
The company has hired O&M to develop the Satyam brand name and has already spent Rs 8.5 lakh (Rs 850,000) in two months.
The company has spent nearly Rs 16 crore (Rs 160 million) on the Patel Nagar site alone. The multiplex boasts of four wall-to-wall screens, three-way Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound.
The state-of-the-art hall has improved projection and sound technology (including improved special acoustic panelling) to make film viewing an experience for the Indian cinema goers.