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The Chandigarh Fun Republic will be open by October 2002. Yes, we definitely think that the Chandigarh audience is ready to experience the new world of entertainment. Knowing the Chandigarh culture wherein people are so keen on eating good food and their love for shopping and entertainment we are very confident on the success of this project. Also RK Swamy BBDO indicates that Chandigarh ranks fourth in terms of MPI (Market Potential Index). How has the Chandigarh Administration reacted to it? Have they been receptive to the idea of multiplex since the concept is new? Yes. They have been very receptive and we have received favourable decisions from them. However, it did take some time for the Administration to understand the concept of multiplexes and that it would benefit the society as a whole. What kind of red-tapism did you have to face in this venture? Generally to get the architectural plans sanctioned. Chandigarh Administration has controlled the architectural aspects. Otherwise, it was quite friendly. What would be the total money spent on the complex. The total amount spent would be about Rs. 17 to 18 crore. Any new multiplexes that might come up in the region in near future? Yes. We would look at Ludhiana and Jalandhar. How will you network these multiplex chambers? The backend is integrated with IS Retail/SAP and the front-end operations are integrated with latest technology in and through various PO software. Are films of a particular kind (digital, arty etc) going to be exhibited in the multiplex or will routine stuff find its way into the multiplex? Our theatres will be branded "Xenon" and each of these will be equipped with a mix of CPA 6 and Crest amplifiers offering superlative sound and screen experience. As far as the screening of movies is concerned we would definitely target the best of releases both from Bollywood as well as Hollywood. Also, the multiplexes, from their inherent nature of being several small-sized auditoriums, bring an impetus to regional and offbeat films. The simple logic being that it makes it commercially logical for the exhibitor to run these films in small-sized auditoriums (200 seats) because it would be an equivalent number of persons wanting to watch the film. However, it is difficult for such films to attract 1,000 persons (the size of existing single screen theatres) that make it commercially unavailable for an exhibitor to play such offbeat and regional films. Why did Zee think of venturing into the business of multiplex? Is it due to falling TV ratings. Zee has no investments in E-City. However, both companies are a part of the Essel Group. Zee has till now been entertaining people within their homes. At Fun Republic, we would entertain people "out of home". The decision to enter this space is not related to falling TRP ratings. And the subscription revenues for Zee are on the rise. How do you think the present locale would be suitable for your venture at Mani Majra, this being on the city's periphery? We will be able to cater to people from
Chandigarh as well as from Panchkula. We also feel that this would be a
great success due to the fact that this is located near the highway. |
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HE
came, he supervised and he went away. That is how one can sum up the
last week's Chandigarh visit of media-shy Atul Goel, Chief Officer of
Essel Group of Industries, a $ 300- million business house better
known for Zee TV network and Essel theme park. He was here to oversee
how the work at multiplex theatre in Mani Majra (where Dhillon theatre
once stood) is going on. To be built here and at 13 other places in
India such exclusive family entertainment centre would be known as Fun
Republics. Each involving an investment ranging between Rs 20 to Rs 45
crore, such multiplexes would have four to six hi-tech cinema
theatres.