Multiplex theatres add value to malls

Multiplex theatres add value to malls
Monday January 14 2008 10:13 IST

Maheswara Reddy

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A view of Sigma Mall where 'Fun Cinemas' screens movies.

BANGALORE: If the ever-increasing number of footfalls at any mall that has a multiplex theatre is any indication, the day is not far away for existing malls to opt for such a facility.

With the spending capacity of middle- class people on the rise, malls in Bangalore are set to become favourite shopping destinations.

Most middle-class people, especially ones with children employed in IT, ITES and BT firms, have changed their lifestyle.

They consider watching a movie at PVR, Inox, Innovative Multiplex or Fun Cinemas a luxury.

The more cinegoers, the more customers at showrooms in these malls.

Chances are bright for window shoppers turning in to customers.

“Multiplex theatre concept has a bright future. This has attracted more and more movie buffs from traditional cinema theatres. Unless the managements of existing theatres pulls up its socks, the future is very bleak,” says B. Suresh, a tele serial director.

Enter malls such as Forum, Garuda and Sigma, you get a royal feeling.

The variety of shops entice you to indulge in window shopping if not actual shopping.

These places are very convenient for young earning members who want to shop and watch a movie. They do not mind paying extra for a ticket.

“I value comfort and ambience. I do not mind paying Rs 150 or Rs 300 or even Rs 500 provided the ambience meets my expectations,” says V. Muralidhar, a software engineer and frequent visitor at Forum.

The mall culture is not just confined to Bangalore City. The existence of Fun Cinemas in a backward district like Gulbarga is proof of the popularity of multiplex theatre concept.

The boom in real estate and easy access to finance have enabled some cinema theatre owners to switch over to multiplex theatres.

“Many corporate companies are coming forward for tie-ups with theatre owners. Financial institutions are offering funds, provided the theatre owners have a revenue model,” says Bhoopal Reddy, whose theatre Radhakrishna is expected to make way for a multiplex in the near future.

Some existing malls such as Lido and Gopalan have plans to add multiplex theatres.

Many showrooms were expected to close down at Sigma Mall when the opening of Fun Cinemas was delayed by more than a year. “We plan to open a multiplex,” says Sunil of Gopalan Malls.

Walking up and down these malls is like a picnic for children.

“I consider watching a movie at a multiplex theatre and enjoying a pizza on a weekend as a reward from my parents,” says S. Sunitha, a 5th standard student.