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Pyramid Saimira in expansion mode, plans Hindi foray
MUMBAI: The Chennai-based digital theatre chain company Pyramid Saimira Theatre Limited (PSTL) has unveiled its expansion plans.
To start with, the company is planning to enter the Hindi speaking markets by the third quarter of 2006. Reportedly, the investment for the expansion is pegged at Rs 3.5 billion.
PSTL, which is operating about 100 theatres, will increase the tally to 400 by the end of FY07 fiscal end through its Networked Mega Digital Theatre Chain project, according to an official release.
“Pyramid Saimira is currently operating a theatre chain of more than 100 theatres, which we plan to increase to 400 by the financial year end 2007. From the third quarter of 2006, we plan to make a foray into Hindi speaking markets and add one screen a day also in North India. By the turn of this decade, the company plans to manage and operate on its own about 2000 screens and in addition have around 4000 screens as franchisee screens across India,” says PSTL MD Saminathan.
The company has projected a top line growth of Rs 8 billion (USD 178 million) by 2010, which represents 6 per cent of the industry, adds the release.
Pyramid has technical support tie-ups with Tata Net for communication technology, Prasad Labs for conversion of films into digital, Delta Electronics as well as Arasor Technology for projectors, and Real Image for software solution providers.
Saminathan further adds that Pyramid is setting up an integrated Network Operating Center (NOC), which will convert films into Digital, transmit these films using satellite medium to various theatres across the country in a secured encryption mode.
Using Digital Rights Management, the company will exhibit the films and other contents in digital mode without physical film prints. This will bring about a saving of Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 per movie per theatre and approximately save Rs 2 million per theatre per annum.
PSTL chairman V Natarajan says, “Digital Cinema is not about replacing an ordinary projector with a digital projector. Through a change in technology we bring a major change in relationship and structure of the exhibition industry as a whole. Just like the hotel industry, exhibition industry will see the emergence of separation of ownership and management especially on a professional note.”
By converting existing theatres into digital, PSTL expects to function as the delivery medium for entertainment and educational content, according to the release.
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AI Impact Summit ’26: Adobe offers Firefly, Photoshop free to Indian students
Adobe to equip 15,000 schools, 500 colleges with free AI tools
NEW DELHI: Adobe has unveiled a major education-focused investment to expand access to its AI-powered creative and productivity tools for students in India, as the company deepens its alignment with the government’s skilling and creator-economy ambitions.
Announced at the India AI Impact Summit, the initiative will provide applications such as Firefly, Photoshop and Acrobat free of charge to students through accredited higher education institutions across the country. The package includes software access, structured curriculum, training modules and industry-recognised credentials.
The programme supports the government’s ‘Create in India’ vision and the Union Budget 2026 goal of generating two million jobs in the animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) sector by 2030.
Working with the government, Adobe said it will make its AI tools and learning resources available at no cost to 15,000 schools and 500 colleges equipped with Content Creator Labs.
Shantanu Narayen, chair and ceo of Adobe, said the move would expand creative opportunity for millions of Indian students while accelerating the prime minister’s vision for a digitally skilled workforce.
Adobe said Firefly integrates creative AI models from partners including Google, OpenAI and Runway, enabling users to generate content using multiple models. Acrobat Pro will support productivity and collaboration tasks such as editing text and images.
Separately, Adobe India has partnered with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime, a digital skilling initiative backed by the ministry of electronics and information technology, to offer free courses and certifications. The programmes are aimed at preparing students for roles across design, animation, gaming, marketing, media, e-commerce and technology.
