Brands
Carnival gets the green signal to acquire Big Cinemas
NEW DELHI: The acquisition by the Carnival Group of the Big Cinemas chain owned by Anil Ambani’s Reliance MediaWorks has been cleared by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
It is learnt that the South India-based Carnival Group had offered $112 million for Big Cinemas in December 2014.
In January this year, Carnival also acquired Stargaze Entertainment’s cinemas. The company now has a total of 330 screens, making Carnival India’s third largest multiplex operator. The Inox group has 361 screens while market leader PVR has 454.
The proposed transaction will reduce Reliance Capital’s overall debt by Rs 700 crore and is part of Reliance Capital’s strategy to exit minority investments.
CCI said in its order that “the proposed combination is not likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.”
Under the agreement executed on 14 December, 2014, the film exhibition business of Reliance MediaWorks along with the food and beverages business, which is a part of the film exhibition business (but excluding all forms of film exhibition through Internet, mobile or television of Reliance MediaWorks), would be transferred to Cinema Ventures Private Ltd (CVPL) – a subsidiary of Reliance MediaWorks.
As many as 88 cinemas (72 multiplexes and 16 single screen cinemas) operated by Reliance MediaWorks having 238 screens are proposed to be transferred by Reliance MediaWorks to CVPL.
Following this, Carnival will acquire 98 per cent stake in CVPL whereas a director of Carnival will acquire the remaining two per cent shareholding.
“It is noted that pursuant to the proposed combination, there are overlaps between Carnival, Stargaze and Reliance MediaWorks with respect to the multiplexes in seven cities namely Indore, Mumbai, Dindigul, Ghaziabad, Dehradun, Raipur and Ajmer,” the order said.
However, CCI observed that in Indore, Mumbai, Ghaziabad, Dehradun, Raipur and Ajmer, “competition concerns may not arise as there are other multiplexes in these cities exercising competitive constraint on the acquirer pursuant to the proposed combination in terms of the pricing and services offered within the cinemas.”
In the case of Dindigul, it was stated that “it is unlikely that the combination would result in increase in prices or would have an adverse impact on the amenities provided to the consumers in Dindigul.”
The deal struck between Carnival Cinemas and Reliance MediaWorks will exclude Imax Wadala (Mumbai) and some other properties worth Rs 200 crore.
Reliance Capital is the parent firm of Reliance MediaWorks, which operates one of the largest cinema chains, under the brand BIG Cinemas.
Brands
Mana Projects names Ranbir Kapoor brand ambassador amid rebranding
Bengaluru developer unveils new identity focused on design and nature.
MUMBAI: When real estate meets reel star power, the foundation for a new brand story is often laid brick by brick. Mana Projects, the Bengaluru based real estate developer, has appointed actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador while unveiling a refreshed brand identity aimed at aligning the company with the evolving expectations of modern urban homebuyers.
The announcement marks a new phase for the developer, which has spent over two decades building residential communities in Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road.
The updated brand identity reflects the company’s emphasis on design led living and environmentally conscious development. According to the developer, the new positioning focuses on creating residential spaces where architecture, nature, engineering and lifestyle planning work together to shape meaningful living experiences.
Mana Projects chairman and managing director D. Kishore Reddy said the rebranding represents a natural progression as the company adapts to the expectations of a new generation of homeowners.
“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community,” Reddy said.
He added that today’s buyers increasingly look beyond basic housing to spaces that combine design, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
“At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly,” he said.
Kapoor, who has been associated with several lifestyle and consumer brands, said the partnership resonated with his own understanding of what makes a home meaningful.
“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging,” Kapoor said.
“What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”
The collaboration will be introduced through a large scale integrated campaign spanning digital platforms, outdoor media and experiential activations, making it one of the developer’s most prominent branding initiatives in recent years.
Founded in Bengaluru, Mana Projects has built a portfolio of residential developments that emphasise thoughtful architecture, amenity rich neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. The company’s projects often integrate open spaces, green landscapes and energy efficient engineering to support sustainable urban living.
With Bengaluru continuing to attract young professionals and technology workers, the developer believes the city’s housing market is increasingly being shaped by buyers seeking well planned communities that balance functionality with quality of life.
Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to expand its presence across the city by developing future ready residential projects designed to accommodate emerging lifestyle trends such as hybrid work culture, community driven living and multigenerational households.
By combining a refreshed brand identity with a high profile ambassador, the company hopes to strengthen its position in Bengaluru’s competitive real estate market while appealing to a new generation of homeowners seeking homes that blend design, nature and modern living.
