Indian cinema has evolved in a different way over the years. Watching films in theatres used to be a normal experience. Buy a ticket, get some popcorn, go to your seat, and enjoy the film.
The situation slowly changed. Three-dimensional formats slowly started getting popular among the general public. The credit goes to Hollywood. The Indian film industry also started creating projects in the same form. Updates continued, with 4DX and IMAX screens being added in multiplex chains.
But it is unfortunate that, except for 3D, the other formats have not been launched in most of the states and cities. There is no clarity on when it would happen. As of now, let’s check the IMAX screens in various locations in India.
1) Mumbai
It is the home of Bollywood. A majority of collections come from this particular place. G7 Multiplex has a trend of contributing to the success of many films. With eight screens, the city’s history of IMAX dates back more than 20 years. The first was Adlabs, with other companies like Miraj and Cinepolis stepping up to launch theirs at one point.
2) Bengaluru
One of the most luxurious cities of India, it has managed to provide the best experience in terms of theatres. It has a total of six IMAX screens. PVR INOX has also started a few. Some of them have been quite popular among the public, and they are located at VR Mall, Vega City, Nexus Mall, Mantri Square, Galleria Mall, and more.
3) Delhi
The city is famous for its tourist attraction spots. But apart from visiting them, the public has additionally showcased a similar interest in cinema. Like most places, Delhi has also updated itself with five IMAX screens. Except for PVR INOX, other chains have not yet entered the same field. It remains to be seen whether more IMAX screens will be launched, letting everyone experience it.
4) Pune
Another famous city of Maharashtra. The grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have specifically contributed to its popularity. While it has multiple cinemas, INOX and Cinepolis have managed to launch only two IMAX screens at the place. It seems like more help and support are needed from the authorities to make the format accessible to everyone.
5) Noida
Located in Uttar Pradesh, the city has been the IT hub of the country. But IMAX access has been limited at this place. PVR has started two screens, with the first one in Superplex Logix and the second in Superplex, Mall of India. A lot of people have undoubtedly enjoyed the entire experience. But more is needed, considering the count in other places.
6) Ahmedabad
It is one of those cities that has the lowest number of IMAX theatres, with only one at Palladium Mall. The screen was started by PVR. There has been no expansion yet to more theatres in other spots. But like every other location, it has continued contributing to the box office numbers of all the big and small films, irrespective of whether they are Hindi, English, or of other languages.
7) Chennai
The situation here has been slightly better. However, it still needs more changes. With two IMAX screens at PVR Palazzo and INOX Phoenix, the city is undoubtedly craving for similar theatres in every spot. It is already the home of Tamil cinema. Audiences rush to see their favorite superstars on the big screen. The theatrical experience will reach a new level. But the wait might be longer.
8) Thane
An important portion of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, it has witnessed a lot of improvement in various sectors, including railways and metro. But the same has not happened for IMAX screens, with only one at Lake Shore, launched by Cinepolis.
9) Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh is one of those states that has contributed to the business of films targeted at the masses. Theatre-going audiences have continued visiting the normal theatres and the advanced ones at the same time. But with one IMAX at Phoenix Mall started by INOX, it seems like the city is yet to witness more development.
10) Kochi
Malayalam cinema has continued delivering entertainment with low budgets. With Lokah, they have set a new standard. With audiences waiting for the sequel, the experience will be completely different on an IMAX screen. It looks like the government has to do something to increase the numbers, as there is only one located at Centre Square Mall.
11) Thiruvananthapuram
Just like Kochi, the situation here has been the same. The city has still managed to get some theatres where 4K quality picture and ATMOS sound bring a different kind of experience. But IMAX has limited access for now, with only one started by PVR in Lulu Mall.
12) Kolkata
Home of the Bengali cinema industry, it has helped in the success of various films, helping many stars to reach on top. However, the public is still waiting for a premium experience in theatres. The current situation proves that the best quality screens are yet to reach the place, as it has one IMAX screen at the South City Mall.
13) Surat
The diamond and textile industries of this place have always been a topic of discussion for those planning a trip here. But like many other cities, this one also has cinema lovers. Apart from PVR, Triveni, Rajhans, and many others have started theatres here. But compared to other national chains, only Rajhans has been able to launch an IMAX screen.
14) Coimbatore
One of the biggest metro cities in Tamil Nadu, it does not have a shortage of places to visit. Cinema has been a common choice for entertainment among the general public. Despite the availability of multiple theatres, Broadway Cinemas has only started an IMAX screen so far, and others have not attempted the same.
15) Gurugram
Known for Cyber City, Kingdom of Dreams, and other popular spots, this is a place that no one would like to ignore so easily. The national theatre chains have already launched multiple screens. However, a development is needed in terms of IMAX screens since PVR has launched only one at the Ambience Mall.
The above-mentioned analysis has proved that premium theatres have become a necessity for different reasons now. Considering that big-budget projects are in the making, with producers planning to release them in IMAX, a question now arises about whether everyone will be able to access those screens.
Although a few cities have somehow managed to start a screen, others are still waiting. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana do not have an IMAX screen. The same can be said for the North-Eastern region of India, where only 3D formats are available so far, and even 4DX theatres have not been launched.
While the general public has raised a question about the unavailability of premium screens, more pressure is needed to make the facility accessible, since it will be additionally beneficial for the business of big films. Let’s wait and see if changes will happen as expected.
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