Lucknow to have more multiplexes

Lucknow will have more multiplexes-cum-malls by the year 2008. A couple of these will be ready by March 2007.

Each mall would house a cinema hall, food joints, cyber café, fashion boutiques and departmental stores. Overwhelmed by the response of the people of Lucknow, Wave, the first multiplex-mall of Lucknow, is going on an expansion drive.

"We are going to increase the shopping area. We are also creating a 25,000 square feet food court, a pub and a lounge," said Dheeraj Sharma, manager, Wave Cinema.

Wave has experienced about 25 lakh footfalls since its opening. It was inaugurated on 30 April, 2004. Wave Cinema is also planning to set up units in Noida, Agra, Bareilly and Muradabad. All these multiplexes will be ready by 2007 end. Besides these, similar units of Wave are likely to come up in Delhi, Ludhiana and Chandigarh by mid 2008.

However, the real question is, does Lucknow and neighbouring cities have the potential to generate business for such mushrooming multiplexes?

"Why not, people will have more options to choose from. Customers have become quality conscious. Now they can decide who is offering them better services. We will provide them entertainment as well as comfort," Sharma added.

While advocating the setting up of such multiplexes in the city, Mohammad Hussain, legal advisor and marketing manager of an upcoming mall, said, "The focus is on modernisation. People want entertainment cum shopping options. Our mall will cater to the needs of all people."

Wave, which enjoyed the status of being the only multiplex in Lucknow for almost two years, is now facing tough competition from Saharaganj, a Sahara group project.

Opened in November last year, Saharaganj has been constructed in an area of 4.25 lakh sq ft. It houses showrooms, a huge parking lot and four-screen multiplex by PVR.

However, an increase in the number of multiplexes has not dampened the spirit of investors. "We are getting excellent response from Lucknow. PVR has not affected our clientele," said Sharma. The first week collection of Fanna in Wave was Rs 15,00,000 while that of the PVR was about Rs 6,50,000.

The increasing number of multiplexes have triggered competition among multiplex owners. They are on their toes to provide unique offers to bring more people to their side.

Sharma informed, "A lot of activities like film festivals and kids carnival are on our agenda this year."

With the investors going over-generous, the audience has more entertainment options to choose from.