Box Populi
Akash Cinema returns as Miraj opens luxe 3-screen multiplex in Delhi
DELHI: From 1987 to 2016, Akash Cinema lit up North Delhi’s weekends with whistles, popcorn, and paisa-vasool drama. Now, the beloved single-screen theatre has found its second act and it’s dressed to impress. Miraj Cinemas, India’s third-largest multiplex chain, has launched a plush new property at the historic Akash Cinema Complex in Azadpur, reviving an icon while upgrading it with modern flair.
The newly unveiled three-screen multiplex is a tribute to the venue’s glorious past and a leap into cinema’s luxe future. With a total of 427 seats across three screens (Audi 1 – 239 seats, Audi 2 – 94, Audi 3 – 94), the Azadpur location is fitted with 2K digital projection, Dolby surround sound, and immersive 3D tech. Say goodbye to neck strain and cramped knees hello to wide-cushioned seats, plush legroom, and unblocked views.
“This isn’t just a multiplex, it’s a tribute to a venue where countless film memories were made,” said Miraj Entertainment Ltd managing director Bhuvanesh Mendiratta. “We’re incredibly proud to give the iconic Akash Cinema a new lease of life. Azadpur now has a destination that’s deeply nostalgic yet boldly future-ready.”
Indeed, stepping into the new Miraj Cinemas Azadpur is like walking onto a movie set. Art Deco patterns, ambient lighting, and marble flooring set the tone, while stylish wall textures and a glowy ceiling elevate the experience. Even the restrooms are a design statement sleek, spotless, and modern. The cosy lobby lounge doubles up as a photo-op zone, perfect for pre-show selfies and starry-eyed anticipation.
And for those who judge a cinema by its snacks (as they should), the revamped Akash delivers blockbuster bites. The venue features two curated F&B zones, Chef’s Corner and Pop Corner.
At Chef’s Corner, it’s all about flavour-forward street bites and gourmet plates: think paneer tikka wraps, loaded cheese fries, dim sums, and grilled delights, all cooked fresh in a live kitchen setup. Meanwhile, Pop Corner brings the classics buttery popcorn, crispy nachos, chilled sodas, and Miraj combo deals. All food is prepared in-house by a team of chefs, maintaining the high standard Miraj is now known for.
This marks Miraj’s fourth multiplex in Delhi, expanding its footprint in the capital while staying rooted in cinematic heritage.
“We’ve taken great care to preserve the legacy while crafting a space that delivers on luxury, technology, and hospitality,” added Mendiratta.
Whether you’re headed for a weekend blockbuster, a late-night binge, or a romantic movie date, this cinema has you covered technically, visually, and gastronomically.
Bookings are open on Miraj Cinemas’ website and mobile app, but if you’re thinking of walking in expect more than just a film. Expect a revival. Expect a cinematic escape. Expect Akash 2.0.
Because at Miraj Azadpur, nostalgia has had a glow-up and it’s ready for its close-up.
MUMBAI:If there is a soundtrack to cinema-going, it is the crackle of popcorn and in 2025, audiences at Cinépolis India clearly couldn’t get enough of it. The multiplex chain has revealed its annual popcorn consumption data, showing that moviegoers across its network devoured close to five million tubs of popcorn last year. Broken down, that works out to around 570 tubs every hour, or roughly 10 tubs disappearing every single minute, enough to keep the kernels popping almost non-stop.
In sheer volume terms, Cinépolis sold around 12,000 tonnes of popcorn during the year, underlining just how central the snack has become to the big-screen ritual. Long after the opening credits roll and before the end credits fade, popcorn remains the constant companion.
To celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 19, 2026, the cinema chain is now turning the spotlight on the snack itself. From January 20 to January 31, Cinépolis will run a nationwide “Popcorn Happy Hour”, offering a buy one get one free deal on popcorn across its locations. The limited-period promotion is designed to add a little extra crunch to the moviegoing experience, without adding to the bill.
“Popcorn is the official movie partner, and at Cinépolis, it is the sensory anchor of the cinema experience,” said Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat. “With the Popcorn Happy Hour offer, we are making it easier for audiences to add that to their visit, without compromising on quality.”
Sampat added that the consumption data is more than just a fun statistic. Tracking what patrons buy and when they buy it helps the chain refine its food and beverage offerings and shape the overall in-cinema experience. “Our 2025 data helps us understand what patrons are choosing, so we can keep improving the menu and the experience,” he said.
The popcorn push sits within Cinépolis India’s broader Foovies framework, an in-house strategy that treats food and beverages as a core part of cinema-going rather than a side order. The approach focuses on curated menus, value-led campaigns and data-driven decisions, using consumer behaviour to guide what lands at the concession counter.
As theatres continue to compete not just with streaming platforms but with every other leisure option vying for attention, the numbers suggest one thing remains rock-solid: when the lights dim, popcorn still rules the aisle. And with millions of tubs already behind it, Cinépolis is betting that the humble kernel will keep audiences coming back for another bite and another show.
