Pyramid Saimira to invest Rs.2 bn to revamp 250 theatres

New Delhi, Sep 30: Chennai-based entertainment company Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd (PSTL) is planning to invest Rs.2 billion (USD 43.5 million) to modernise around 250 screens in India's four southern states over the next 18 months.

“We will be renovating theatres in 100 centres in Tamil Nadu, with an investment close to Rs.75 crore (Rs.750 million). We will extend this renovation initiative to the other states also, with Kerala in November, Andhra Pradesh in December and Karnataka in January,” PSTL chairman and managing director P.S. Saminathan said here Tuesday.

“Our objective is to have close to 250 model theatres in the next 18 months across these states. We are looking to invest close to Rs.200 crore (Rs.2 billion) in this infrastructure improvement program,” he added.

The first theatre that will be renovated under this initiative is Jyothi Theatre, a single-screen cinema on the outskirts of Chennai. Jyothi, once renovated, will have a capacity of 550 seats. The theatre will have an auditorium, which can be used as a seminar hall too.

According to a company press release, all theatres will have computerised ticketing facilities and seat selection kiosks. Along with the latest digital projection and DTS sound technology, the theatres will be equipped with an in-built mobile zone enabled with blue-tooth, video booth for live TV, radio and overhead projection facilities.

Various loyalty schemes will be introduced at the theatres, enabling the customers to avail of many value-added services.

Merchandising centres, gaming arcades, music zones and food courts will add a fun element in the revamped theatres, the statement added.