Movies
MovieMax opens new multiplex at Pune’s Mariplex Mall
Mumbai: MovieMax Cinemas opened its latest three-screen multiplex at Mariplex Mall, Kalyani Nagar, offering a premium cinematic experience in the heart of Pune. This marks the second MovieMax multiplex in the city, furthering its commitment to providing world-class entertainment. Equipped with 2K projection technology and Dolby 7.1 surround sound, the multiplex promises a top-tier movie experience.
MovieMax Cinemas CEO Ashish Kanakia said, “Pune has a deep-rooted love for cinema, and we’re thrilled to offer a venue that combines cutting-edge technology with luxury and comfort. Our Mariplex Mall property delivers stunning visuals, crystal-clear sound, and a variety of food and beverage options to make each visit unforgettable. As part of our growth strategy, we’re committed to making luxury cinema accessible to everyone. We aim to offer top-tier technology, comfort, and a wide range of food options to moviegoers across India.”
The multiplex welcomes guests with a luxury experience, featuring digital kiosks at the box office for quick ticket bookings. The elegantly designed box office allows patrons to easily purchase or retrieve pre-booked tickets with minimal wait, ensuring a seamless arrival experience.
The lobby enhances this experience with modern décor, vibrant seating in shades of orange, green, and gold, and curated lighting. It provides a comfortable space to relax before or after a movie, with a variety of food options, including pizzas, nachos, popcorn, wok-inspired dishes, and healthy alternatives available at the illuminated concession stand.
The auditoriums are designed for comfort and optimal viewing, featuring spacious seating and perfect sightlines. Dynamic wall designs showcasing iconic film imagery celebrate the history of cinema, making each screening feel special.
For an extra touch of luxury, the multiplex includes a dedicated premium section with added amenities and interactive selfie corners for engagement. This multiplex is part of MovieMax’s expansion to bring luxury cinema to metros and tier two and tier three cities. Recently awarded Fastest Growing Cinema Chain of the Year at the IMAX Big Cinema Awards 2024, MovieMax continues to set the standard for premium cinema.
Hollywood
Who won what at the Oscars 2026? Full winners list from the 98th Academy Awards
A night of history, high drama, and gingery wit at the 98th Academy Awards
LOS ANGELES: If the 98th Academy Awards taught us anything, it is that Hollywood still loves a tortured genius and a well-timed ginger joke. While the night was technically a coronation for Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling war drama One Battle After Another, the real battle was fought in the stalls of the Dolby Theatre as host Conan O’Brien unleashed a monologue that was part roast, part group therapy session.
The evening belonged to the cinematic heavyweights. One Battle After Another lived up to its title, clinching Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Anderson, the perennial bridesmaid of the Oscars, finally took home the big prizes, cementing his status as the industry’s favourite auteur.
In the acting categories, Michael B. Jordan made history. Winning Best Actor for his visceral performance in the supernatural thriller Sinners, he became only the fourth Black man to win the trophy. His speech was a masterclass in humility, though he spared a moment to thank his trainer for “making me look like I could actually fight a demon.”
The history books were rewritten several times over. Autumn Durald Arkapaw shattered a long-standing glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to win Best Cinematography for Sinners. Meanwhile, the newly minted Best Achievement in Casting category saw its inaugural trophy go to the ensemble of One Battle After Another.
Returning to the stage with his signature quiff and self-deprecating bite, Conan O’Brien did not hold back. He began by acknowledging the elephant in the room: his own presence.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he quipped. “Why is the ghost of a Victorian chimney sweep hosting the Oscars? It’s because AI is too expensive and I work for sandwiches.”
The controversy kicked off when he turned his sights on the Best Visual Effects nominees. Pointing at the Avatar: Fire and Ash table, he remarked:
“James Cameron has spent so much money on blue people that the actual ocean is now jealous of his budget. Jim, at some point, you have to admit this is just a very expensive aquarium hobby.”
He also took a cheeky swipe at the trend of method acting, specifically targeting Sean Penn.
“Sean stayed in character for so long that his own family had to serve him a subpoena just to get him to come to Sunday roast,” O’Brien joked, to a mix of nervous titters and Penn’s trademark stony glare.
The night was not without its “did he really say that?” moments. During a bit about the length of the telecast, O’Brien noted that the show was running so long that:
“By the time we get to Best Picture, the winner will have already been rebooted as a gritty limited series on Max.”
He also touched on the industry’s obsession with youth, pointing at a young starlet and saying:
“You’re so young that your first memory is actually a TikTok of this monologue.”
While most took it in stride, some critics on social media called the joke “typical boomer energy,” though O’Brien seemed entirely unfazed.
The full winners’ circle:
Best Picture: One Battle After Another
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
Best Animated Feature: K-Pop: Demon Hunters
Best Original Song: “Golden” from K-Pop: Demon Hunters
As the curtains closed and the A-list headed for the after-parties, the mood was one of relief. Hollywood had managed to celebrate its past while poking fun at its increasingly digital future. Whether the night belonged to the war heroes of PTA or the witty barbs of a tall redhead remains a matter of debate.
