Hindi
Cineline India re-enters film exhibition business starting Q1 FY23
Mumbai: Cineline India Ltd, a part of MMRDA region-based real estate player Kanakia Group, is re-entering the film exhibition business and will launch the same under a new brand in Q1 FY23, announced the company on Thursday.
The company was present in the film exhibition business through Cinemax brand since 1997. In 2012, it sold the multiplex business along with Cinemax Brand to PVR Ltd under a non-compete clause which has already ended. Further, the company had leased out nine properties with 23 screens to PVR under leave and license agreements on which multiplex operations were run by PVR.
“In light of expiry of the license period by 31 March 2022, coupled with weakening industry dynamics for the unorganised and single-screen film exhibition players, there is a tremendous opportunity for organised players to increase their foothold in this segment. Therefore, Cineline with a strong history of operating the film exhibition business has decided to re-enter and create a strong consumer-oriented brand in this segment,” the official statement read.
Post 31 March 2022, Cineline India will have access to its own properties and thus will be able to kick start its film exhibition operations in Q1 FY23 through 9 properties with 23 screens across Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Nagpur having an aggregate seating capacity of more than 6,000 seats.
The company will grow the film exhibition business in due course of time by acquiring theater properties pan India on a lease basis. It believes that post-relaxation of lockdown restrictions and patrons returning to theaters, there is a huge opportunity in this space with a strong lineup of Bollywood, Hollywood, and regional content in place till the next year.
Chairman Rasesh Kanakia said, “We are delighted to re-enter the film exhibition business in India. With various leave and license agreements between us and PVR expiring on 31 March 2022, the company will launch a new brand for the film exhibition business in Q1 FY23. We plan to create a strong consumer-oriented brand in this segment.”
“Considering the fact that as the exhibition business inches closer to a return to normality, post-Covid, we see a strong pipeline of movies coming up in the next year, and patrons’ excitement to return to theaters will be quite high. We are seeing a big wave of opportunity and have big plans for growth in this business,” he added.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
