Secunderabad to get four multiplexes

Government examines proposal to declare Tivoli talkies as a multiplex

Secunderabad, a paradise for shoppers, could soon become a favoured hub for movie buffs as four multiplexes are scheduled to come up here in the next two years.

The construction of multiplexes at the erstwhile Sangeet 70 mm and the one at Patny Centre are underway, while the government has already examined the proposal submitted by the management of Tivoli talkies to declare it as a multiplex. Plans have also been drawn up for another multiplex on the busy Sardar Patel Road, sources said.

Decline in collections

Each of these multiplexes will have at least three screens along with eateries, shops and games area. In tune with changing times, these are being developed as mall-cum-multiplexes. Film industry experts say that the decline in collections from single screen theatres is forcing managements to opt for multiplexes.

“It’s a multi-utility facility. One cannot just make purchases but also watch a movie on the same premises with a different atmosphere,” says Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce president, M. Vijayender Reddy.

According to sources, Tivoli talkies will soon be declared as “Tivoli Cinemas” multiplex as the Home Department has examined the proposal. Seven months ago, the management had submitted a representation stating that it was suffering from losses as maintenance and recurring cost of cinemas is very high.

In order to resolve these problems, the management requested the government to convert the existing four theatres as a multiplex as it provided all requirements laid down by the government. It appealed to enhance ticket rates as permitted to different multiplexes in the capital and allow screening of five shows in each theatre everyday.

After examining the request, the Home Department issued orders a few days ago allowing management to increase rates by Rs. 20 per ticket in all four theatres with certain conditions.

Police report pending

The department, however, decided to defer the management’s request to revise number of seats and screening of five shows everyday till receipt of report from the City Police Commissioner.

“Tivoli may be declared as a multiplex after the getting police report. But we will issue tickets with revised rates from next week onwards,” said theatre manager R. Bhupal.

The four theatres Tivoli Extreme, Tivoli 70 MM, Tivoli Cine Home and Tivoli Mini, with a capacity of over 833, 478, 381 and 156 seats respectively have been screening English, Hindi and Telugu films.