MAM
Sathyam Cinemas to instal two Imax systems in multiplexes
MUMBAI: Canada’s Imax Corporation and Sathyam Cinemas has reached an agreement to install two Imax and MPX theatre systems at Sathyam Cinemas’ multiplexes in India. The deal is the third between Imax and Sathyam and marks the second time the exhibitor has doubled the number of Imax theatres it plans to open in the country.
Sathyam Cinemas now has a total of four Imax theatres scheduled to be installed in its multiplexes, with the first to open next year in Chennai, India and three more at locations to be announced. India remains one of Imax’s fastest growing markets, with eleven Imax theatres now scheduled to be open in the country by 2008, stated an official release.
“India is a vast market that holds a great deal of growth potential for Imax,” said Imax co-chairmen and co-CEOs Richard L Gelfond and Bradley J Wechlser. “We have been delighted with the success of the multiplex-based Imax theatres in this region and very pleased with exhibitor response to the Imax MPX value proposition. We are optimistic that Sathyam Cinemas doubling its commitment will fuel further interest and growth for Imax in India.”
“We want to offer moviegoers a compelling reason to visit Sathyam Cinemas and The Imax Experience has proven to accomplish this, serving as a significant draw for commercial exhibitors in India,” said Sathyam Cinemas MD Kiran Reddy. “Indian moviegoers are paying a premium ticket price for blockbusters in Imax’s format, and we’ve been very impressed with the recent films’ grosses in Hyderabad and Mumbai.”
Sathyam Cinemas’ first Imax theatre is anticipated to open in Chennai, India in March 2006 at one of the most heavily trafficked cinemas in the country, to be followed by another location that will open in Chennai in 2008. The other two Imax theatres will open in 2007 and 2008 at yet to be announced locations.
All of Sathyam Cinemas’ Imax theatres will be capable of playing Hollywood event films converted into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The Imax Experience, as well as original Imax productions in 2D and Imax 3D. The Imax MPX theatre system was specifically designed to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the Imax theatre business, by retrofitting an existing stadium seating auditorium or via an economical new build, the release added.
MAM
BLS International launches #VisaReady campaign to guide applicants
Initiative targets visa myths, delays and rejections with practical guidance
MUMBAI: Visa woes may soon meet their match because paperwork, it seems, is finally getting a user manual. BLS International has rolled out a new awareness drive, #VisaReadyWithBLSInternational, aimed at simplifying the often confusing visa application process and reducing delays caused by misinformation and incomplete documentation. The campaign, led across social media platforms, zeroes in on a long-standing pain point for travellers: lack of clarity around procedures, timelines and requirements. By offering step-by-step guidance, documentation checklists and clear Dos and Don’ts, the initiative attempts to turn what is typically a stressful process into a more predictable one.
At its core, the campaign also seeks to bust common myths that frequently derail applications issues that often lead to avoidable rejections or last-minute complications. The idea is to equip applicants with practical, actionable insights so they can plan better and submit stronger applications within expected timelines.
The push will not remain limited to digital channels. BLS International plans to extend the initiative across its Visa Application Centres globally, reinforcing awareness at key touchpoints where applicants engage with the process.
BLS International joint managing director Shikhar Aggarwal framed the campaign as more than a communication exercise, emphasising the company’s attempt to embed guidance and preparedness into every stage of the applicant journey.
Operating in over 70 countries and working with more than 46 client governments including embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions, the company has built a sizeable footprint in visa and consular services. With this campaign, it is now leaning into education as much as execution, signalling that in the world of visas, clarity might just be the new currency.
