Cinepolis to introduce 'VIP' to India

"We have the Cinepolis VIP brand globally which is our luxury offering. We intend to introduce the brand along with our other normal multiplexes," Cinepolis India Managing Director and Country Head Milan Saini said.

The global multiplex operator had announced an investment of Rs 1,700 crore in India last month for setting up around 500 movie screens by 2016.

Cinepolis VIP, the premium property of the multiplex chain, would have a separate lounge and the cinemas would be equipped with a separate catering service as well as an exclusive seat-pick system for clients to buy tickets and select the location of their seats without queues.

The tickets would cost about 3-4 times more than that of the average cost.
"Our first multiplex comes up this year most probably in Pune, which will have one of the screens under VIP," Saini said.
On an average, each Cinepolis multiplex would have about eight screens and the number could go up to 14 screens.

Cinepolis, the fifth-largest theatre chain in the world, targets to move up to the fourth slot and its India venture is part of the company’s plans to expand its global footprint.
"Next year, we are looking at 30-50 screens in metros and tier I (state capitals) cities," Saini said.
The company has also roped in Ashish Shukla as its Head of Exhibition. Shukla was earlier working as Head of Infrastructure and Development for Bharti Retail.
He has also served as Chief Executive Officer for PVR Cinemas.
"The Cinepolis experience will introduce exciting new concepts for film audiences across the nation and I look forward to being part of this process," Shukla said.