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PAISA VASOOL!

[29 Jan 2010]

Big Cinemas at RCity Mall in suburban Mumbai offers exciting experiences apart from the movies.

Watching movies on weekends is almost a given for most of us. So when a friend raved about the newly-opened Big Cinemas at RCity Mall being a new concept, this 75,000 sq. ft. space in suburban Mumbai (Ghatkopar) had to be checked-out. The pre-ticketing area in white gave a grand welcome where the ceiling and a huge web-like structure in GRP (glass reinforced panels) caught my attention. Each web was constructed using four moulds, while some moulds were shared. Each node had metal fabricated braces to be welded against the brackets on the ceiling and wall

Finally, the members were joined together and finished in texture paint to achieve the desired look. The grand “futuristic” area also includes Mischief — an exclusive kids’ zone with different areas including a gaming zone, TV area for cartoons, a small library and more. This area allows the kids some fun time while you enjoy a movie sans worry. Also, the screen outside the area helps you keep an eye on them without disturbing their fun.

As we moved to the regular cinema lobby, the peppy and vibrant ambiance made us want to hang around till the movie started. Here again, the ceiling with its beautiful design stole a second look — made up of 9 mm gypsum boards at different levels to achieve a curved ceiling. The support details at close intervals were provided to achieve the final desired curved finish; the first layer was cut through to achieve a groove finish. With tensile membrane stretched on a frame, the curvy, flexible and organic structure is done with mesh and POP, adding an element of surprise. Armed with popcorns and soft drinks, we just couldn’t help but admire the aesthetic skills of the design team.

The next zone — Pause — keeps the luxe factor in mind and goes bling! Everything from the gold laminates, colour-changing lights, velvet upholstery, etc. makes a lush statement. The best part is that one can just hang out with friends here without being forced to buy movie tickets. The lounge has a combination of mirror-finish ACP (aluminium composite panel) above the seating area on either side and the centre panel along the passage is black matte painted gypsum with colour-changing optic fibre. Pause leads you to the two most happening screens – 180 o and Cine Diner. Redefining comfort, 180 o with its opulent recliner seats allows you to tilt it all the way back, kick off your shoes and sink into the plush seats as you pamper yourself to a luxurious movie experience.

Food and movies is the best combination and this comes under one roof at Cine Diner, a whole new concept of movie watching. Enjoy the movie as healthy and delicious dishes (prepared by the in-house chef) that complement the movie genre being screened (romantic movie — continental food; typical Punjabi essence movie — North Indian delicacies, etc.) are served on your table.

Big Cinemas, a division of Reliance MediaWorks, is India’s largest cinema chain with over 500 screens across 135 locations spread over India, US, Malaysia and Netherlands, and caters to over 35 million consumers. Designed by the Reliance MediaWorks’ in-house design team, Archana Jhangiani, Design Head says, “The idea was to give a ‘wow factor’ by creating a futuristic design.

We wanted our audience to have a different experience as they enter each area — hence the different themes. For instance, in the lounge (Pause), we have tried to create luxurious Indian look with a Persian feel while the cinema lobby allows you chill and have fun.” As we step out, we not only cherished the movie but the whole new experience, truly a paisa vasool trip!

Reliance MediaWorks Limited, 2 nd floor, Meadows, Sahar Plaza Complex,