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 seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
