Cinepolis entered into a strategic alliance with Rathi Group of Cinemas

Cinepolis, the worlds fourth largest and Indias first international exhibitor has entered into a strategic alliance with Rathi Group of Cinemas for operation of 10 single screen theatres spanning across eight cities, namely Nagpur, Raipur, Bhilai, Durg, Akola, Yavatmal, Paratwada, and Amravati.

With this alliance, Cinepolis would be rebranding the theatres under Fun Cinemas Brand, and taking the screen count in India to 236. Elaborating on the alliance, Mr. Javier Sotomayor, Managing Director, Cinepolis India, commented, "Cinepolis reckons this to be a successful business model for the company as well as for the theatre owners. Cinepolis already has a similar model with Fun Cinemas and operates 12 Screens under it. We believe this is a faster way to increase our footprint in India, in lieu of slow growth of real estate and licensing process. With this model, we plan to add more screens across the country, as long as they make strategic sense to Cinepolis. Such collaborations would create a larger and efficient ecosystem for the exhibition industry and improve the cinema experience in the country."

Mr. Devang Sampat, Business Head, Strategic Initiatives, Cinepolis India, said, "We will work closely with these cinemas to increase the efficiencies and standardize processes. This model will increase synergies and transparency for all the stakeholders involved- distributors, advertisers and exhibitors. Access to ticket booking from Cinepolis portal and partner websites would be an enhancement in user experience."

Mr. Akshaye Rathi, Director, Rathi Group of Cinemas commented, "We are very excited with the association and believe this will be a win-win partnership for both the companies. Cinepolis is the only international player operating in the country, and associating with them will enable us to look at a broader picture of the industry. With this association our screens will be branded as Fun Cinemas, a known cinema brand in the country, which will lead towards a significant push in the context of renovation and adding amenities to the properties, thus increasing footfall at our cinemas."