MUMBAI: The Essel Group owned four-screen cinema multiplex Fun Republic has, with the aid of GurukulOnline Wireless, developed a sophisticated SMS-based movie information and ticketing service for the multiplex in Mumbai.
 
 
 
As of now only BPL and Airtel mobile phone subscribers can use this facility by sending an SMS to 3867.
Fun Republic’s Head - Web, Anuj Mehta said, “Our wireless booking service enables the integration with our existing Cinema-Ticketing solution. As a result, customers not only get the confirmation code, but the actual seat numbers. Fun Republic is the first multiplex to provide such information through online wireless means. As the solution is real time, chances of error are totally eliminated. It is India’s first real-time SMS cinema ticket booking facility.”

Customers can book tickets in advance and are required to turn up at Fun Republic’s booking counter 45 minutes before the start of show, after which they will be cancelled, Anuj added.

GurukulOnline CEO Shailesh Mehta said, “The wireless technology solution we have developed for Fun Republic is extremely user-friendly. It enables not only ticket bookings, but also cancellations, supply of information about movies and special schemes applicable from time to time.”

Though this service can presently be used only through BPL and Airtel services, GurukulOnline is in the process of tying up with other mobile phone service providers, Anuj said.

Fun Republic will soon launch contests through the mobile phone network developed by GurukulOnline, and winners will be entitled to a lot of exciting gifts like free tickets, combo vouchers etc at Fun Republic.