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Pyramid Saimira in expansion mode, plans Hindi foray
MUMBAI: The Chennai-based digital theatre chain company Pyramid Saimira Theatre Limited (PSTL) has unveiled its expansion plans.
To start with, the company is planning to enter the Hindi speaking markets by the third quarter of 2006. Reportedly, the investment for the expansion is pegged at Rs 3.5 billion.
PSTL, which is operating about 100 theatres, will increase the tally to 400 by the end of FY07 fiscal end through its Networked Mega Digital Theatre Chain project, according to an official release.
“Pyramid Saimira is currently operating a theatre chain of more than 100 theatres, which we plan to increase to 400 by the financial year end 2007. From the third quarter of 2006, we plan to make a foray into Hindi speaking markets and add one screen a day also in North India. By the turn of this decade, the company plans to manage and operate on its own about 2000 screens and in addition have around 4000 screens as franchisee screens across India,” says PSTL MD Saminathan.
The company has projected a top line growth of Rs 8 billion (USD 178 million) by 2010, which represents 6 per cent of the industry, adds the release.
Pyramid has technical support tie-ups with Tata Net for communication technology, Prasad Labs for conversion of films into digital, Delta Electronics as well as Arasor Technology for projectors, and Real Image for software solution providers.
Saminathan further adds that Pyramid is setting up an integrated Network Operating Center (NOC), which will convert films into Digital, transmit these films using satellite medium to various theatres across the country in a secured encryption mode.
Using Digital Rights Management, the company will exhibit the films and other contents in digital mode without physical film prints. This will bring about a saving of Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 per movie per theatre and approximately save Rs 2 million per theatre per annum.
PSTL chairman V Natarajan says, “Digital Cinema is not about replacing an ordinary projector with a digital projector. Through a change in technology we bring a major change in relationship and structure of the exhibition industry as a whole. Just like the hotel industry, exhibition industry will see the emergence of separation of ownership and management especially on a professional note.”
By converting existing theatres into digital, PSTL expects to function as the delivery medium for entertainment and educational content, according to the release.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
