Multiplexes set to swamp Pune

PUNE: Is Pune set to turn into a city multiplexes? This could well be the case considering that in the past one year itself, the Pune district entertainment tax office received 41 applications for constructing multiplex complexes in and around the city.
The special concessions for constructing new multiplexes — such as exemption in entertainment tax for the first five years — offered by the government during the year ended August 17, 2002, by amending the Bombay Entertainment Tax Act of 1923, has attracted many parties.
The concessions were offered with view to promote multiplexes worth several crore rupees all over the state and also to ensure healthy cultural development.
The multiplexes are required to have at least three theatres with a minimum total seating capacity of 1,000. The GR had also categorically mentioned the clause of reserving one screen for a total of one month in year for Marathi films.
District entertainment tax officer Sanjay Kundetkar said of the 41 applicants, City Pride and Inox have already opened their multiplexes. Others applications include five multiplexes in Kothrud and Karvenagar, followed by two each for Wadgaon Sheri and Wanowrie.
Applications for constructing multiplexes at Pimpri-Chinchwad, village, Ganeshkhind road, Mangaldas road, Baner village, Sassoon road, Mohammadwadi, Aga Khan road, Erandwana, Tarapur road (Cantonment), Boat Club road, Senapati Bapat road, Aundh, Katraj village, Wadgaon Budruk, Kondhwa and Bibwewadi have also been received.
A number of existing single-screen theatres have also applied for conversion to multiplexes.
“Even private housing colonies like the Richi-Richi Co-operative Housing Society at Kondhwa and Himani Co-operative Housing Society at Erandwana have applied for multiplexes,� Kundetkar said.
According to resident deputy collector applications have been received, the average occupancy in cinema theatres has fallen considerably as a result the onslaught of cable television and advancement in the field of information technology.
“A majority the people prefer to watch movies home,� he pointed out. “We are forwarding the list of applications to the government on August 23 for final approval,� he said.
However, not all are thrilled with the idea of Pune turning into a city of multiplexes. President of the Pune Exhibitors’ Association, Sadanand Mohal, expressed the fear that the phenomenon may have an adverse impact on single-screen theatres.