How many times have you stood in a seemingly endless queue in a multiplex to buy movie tickets only to go back disappointed? If the prospect of watching a movie at home is not as appealing as the ‘theatre’ experience then it is time to fix the problem. Indulge in the latest trend going around in the city – your own private theatre. The perfect visuals, sound effects and ambience offer unlimited satisfaction, at a price of course.

Today, the economics of setting up a private theatre is not a dissuading factor for many people whose disposable income can get them almost whatever they wish for. “I am a movie buff and prefer watching movies at home with my family and friends. I have converted a large room into a mini theatre.

The ambience includes the city’s night silhouette which is softly backlit and a well-equipped bar,” says a city realtor who considers his home theatre a state of the art installation.

A growing band of professionals and business people are able to afford this luxury but above all, it is the discerning technophiles among them who feel the need for such a premium entertainment zone.

High-end systems
According to Sukamal Saha, Manager Sales, Sonodyne, “A lot of IT professionals and business people are buying high end systems. They don’t mind spending for quality.” In fact, a great deal of time is spent in building up the right setup which includes a large screen, projector, sound system and an exclusive soundproof room with seating arrangements that can beat theatre seats hollow. From motorised recliners to massage chairs, stress on such comfort is not considered frivolous.

That acoustics is valued so much gives the private theatre an edge over the ubiquitous entertainment room. The final outcome of sound depends more on internal acoustics than the equipment itself and calls for specialised designing.

New concept
The concept of acoustic interior designers is still a nascent one with very few companies offering to do the entire room on a turnkey basis. One such company is Soundesigns which specialises in acoustic designing. They have done the local Inox multiplex. “The trend of mini home theatres is very much prevalent in Bangalore. Our clients are mainly business people and industrialists. We suggest the choice of equipment if required and do up the entire room,” say Sankarshan, GM, Soundesigns. According to him, the cost of installing a home theatre can range from Rs 10 lakh to 50 lakh.

The size of the room and the nature of equipment determine the cost of installation along with other factors like soundproofing, seating arrangements and decor with customized finishes. Extras like a popcorn machine, drinks vending machine or a bar are more style statements than necessities.

Making a style statement does not come cheap. But that does not deter the affluent movie buff. Some have even made provisions to turn this room into a party zone when required. Sound Wizard, a leading audio design and consultancy company based in Auroville, has designed a mini theatre that can transform into a party area.

There is a DJ counter, a disco setting and options to plug in an IPod or a laptop. According to Didier Weiss of Sound Wizard, “The trend of home theatres is experienced by us as an exponential growth in India. But of many so called "home theatres" only a very few are what we call real home theatres. Quality now needs to replace quantity. The guidelines for us are the THX specifications, in terms of acoustics, quality of silence and sound pressure level, and very few people are aware that only when ALL aspects are met properly you get a proper result that blows your mind and ears.” Apart from A R Rahman studios, they have installed numerous private theatres all over India including a ‘budget conscious’ one in Bangalore.

Incidentally, private theatres are featured on some property developers’ list of attractions. With every luxury facility under the sun being offered on a platter, this is another feature sure to impress buyers. According to a well placed source in the realty field, private theatres are already available in some mega residential complexes in Bangalore. However, there are many who prefer to have their very own theatre at home. As the tribe of people who can afford this luxury increases, there are some disparities amongst them. There are the technology savvy and serious music/movie buffs who may even forfeit other luxuries for this purpose. For some, it is the pleasure of making an exclusive statement. However, for many it is a bit of both. According to factory owner, Jivesh Bhattacharya, “When I am spending so much on the latest technology and equipment, it makes sense to spend a little more and have the perfect ambience for optimum viewing pleasure.”

And that sums it all up. If you can afford it then why not? A customized theatre will let you watch your favourite movies right at home with no compromises on the quality and ambience. Forget traffic woes and above all, forget the long queue to buy tickets.