Hindi
PVR launches first multiplex in Bilaspur
MUMBAI: PVR Ltd has announced the opening of the first multiplex at Rama Magneto the Mall in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
With this launch in Bilaspur, PVR now has eight screens and two multiplexes in two key cities of Chhattisgarh including four screens and 1212 seats in Raipur.
The 27,821 sq ft multiples will have a capacity of 792 seats and will provide an digital movie experience to the cine goers of the city at ticket prices ranging from Rs 70 to Rs 160.
PVR Ltd group president Pramod Arora said, “We are extremely delighted to launch PVR Cinemas in Bilaspur, the second largest city of the state of Chhattisgarh. The launch in Bilaspur is part of PVR Ltd.‘s organic growth strategy and is another step in its efforts in reaching out to patrons in tier II cities. We are looking forward to provide a world class movie experience to other centres in Chhattisgarh as well. Also we will be expanding to other cities like Pune, Mysore and are hoping to add another 64 screens by the end of this financial year. It is PVR‘s constant endeavour to reach out to our patrons across cities and create benchmarks in entertainment and we understand that Raipur has a discerning audience who are ready to experience the new and international cinematic wave”
Rama Magneto the Mall director Sandeep Agrawal said, “We are extremely pleased to form an association with PVR Cinemas. They are the leaders in the entertainment space and we are delighted with the opening of PVR Cinemas in our mall. The quality entertainment experience offered by PVR Digital Cinema will change the way the cinema lovers in the city will watch movies. With digital projection, high-quality sound system, and comfortable seats in all Audis, PVR will surely provide an ultimate movie experience to the people and we hope to receive a positive response from the people here.”
With the launch in Bilaspur, PVR stands at 188 screens in 43 cinemas in 13 states and 26 cities across India.
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
