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
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.
