Movies
Miraj Cinemas inaugurates its first six-screen opulent multiplex in Bengaluru
Mumbai: Multiplex chain Miraj Cinemas opened its first six-screen ultra-luxurious multiplex in the city. The new multiplex is expected to offer a cutting-edge cinematic experience as well as best-in-class gourmet food options.
It’s on the first floor of TGN Lotus Elite, above D-Mart on Magadi Main Road in Sunkadakatte, Bangalore. Karnataka Infrastructure Development minister V Somanna, Karnataka Horticulture minister Munirathna and Cinema producer Karnataka Cooperation minister Somashekahar, MLA, Manjunath, Ex-MLA Priyakrishna and TGN Lotus MD T.G. Narasimha Murthy were also present at the grand opening of Miraj’s first multiplex in the city.
The multiplex chain plans to invest Rs 70 crore in the next 30 screens in cities such as Chennai, Ranchi, and Surat, among others. Furthermore, Rs 120 crore has been set aside as part of its aggressive investment for another 50 screens, with fit-out beginning in January to March 2023 and properties opening from July to October 2023 in cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Miraj Entertainment Ltd. MD Amit Sharma said, “It is indeed a momentous day for us as we open our flagship multiplex in Bengaluru today. Bengaluru is one of the country’s most vibrant and progressive cities, and we look forward to being a part of its growth story. With the launch of Beanary Café, which will be open to all regardless if you are there to watch a film or not, and our signature live kitchen, Cafe’s Corner, we are confident that the multiplex will be well-received by the people here. It will surely add to this booming city’s already vibrant culture and nightlife scene. Furthermore, setting up the multiplex in Sunkadakatte will attract more footfalls to this area and contribute positively to the city’s growing reputation as a key destination for films and filmmaking. It is a truly world-class facility that will provide an outstanding movie-going experience for our customers.”
The newly opened multiplex promises an immersive movie-watching experience and has 1,283 seats in total, including 1,203 ultra-comfortable seats and 80 recliner seats, as well as a palatial lobby. The ideal location for cinephiles to catch the latest international and Indian blockbusters!
Miraj Cinemas has installed top-tier Christie RGB Laser CP2320 2K projection systems and 7.1 Digital Dolby sound systems in four screens, as well as Dolby Atmos sound in two screens, to improve its patrons’ cinema viewing experience. Furthermore, the café is outfitted with cutting-edge processing equipment and adheres to strict hygiene and sanitation standards around the clock. Along with the live kitchen, the multiplex chain will open its first independent Beanary Café, which will offer a variety of food and beverage options.
Miraj Cinemas has finally opened its first six-screen multiplex in Bengaluru, after a decade-long journey under Sharma’s leadership. The state of Karnataka has been extremely welcoming and supportive of the multiplex chain, and it looks forward to serving the state’s movie-going population for many years to come. Miraj has kept up with technological advances that benefit moviegoers in tiers two and three cities as well as their counterparts in major metro areas, in addition to its national expansion plans.
Hollywood
Paramount eyes $24bn Gulf support to fund Warner Bros Discovery merger: Reports
Sovereign funds line up funding as media giants chase streaming scale
NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance is in talks to secure nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a WSJ report.
The funding push comes as Paramount Skydance advances its proposed $110 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, which carries an equity valuation of $81 billion and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
At the heart of the financing plan are three major Gulf investors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute roughly $10 billion, while the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding are likely to make up the remainder.
Crucially, the proposed investments are structured as non-voting stakes. This means the Gulf backers would not have direct control in the combined entity, a move designed to ease regulatory concerns in the United States. Paramount executives reportedly do not expect the deal to trigger scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or the Federal Communications Commission.
If completed, the merger would bring together a formidable portfolio of entertainment and news assets, including CNN and CBS. The combined entity aims to better compete in a fast-evolving media landscape where streaming platforms are steadily pulling audiences away from traditional television.
The deal reflects a broader shift in global media, where scale is increasingly seen as essential to survive the streaming wars. By pooling content libraries, technology and distribution, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting on size and synergy to drive future growth.
The involvement of deep-pocketed Gulf investors also underscores the growing role of sovereign wealth in shaping global media consolidation, particularly at a time when high-value deals demand equally large financial backing.
With shareholder votes and regulatory milestones still ahead, the proposed tie-up remains one of the most closely watched media deals of the year. If it clears the final hurdles, it could redraw the competitive map of the global entertainment industry.
