PVR's 44 film screen plan for Punjab

PVR Ltd will be coming up with 44 cinema screens in Punjab with an investment of around Rs 130 crore (about Rs 3 crore per screen) and all will be ready by the mid of 2009.

The company is planning to open at least 80 screens in Punjab by 2010-end.

With 44 cinema screens coming in different shopping malls here, PVR has taken a lead from its competitors here.

As part of the company's strategies, the company is now looking at expansion in areas, which have tax benefits.

In Punjab, most of the projects signed by PVR Ltd have been granted "Mega Scheme'' status by the Punjab government hence ensuring 10 years entertainment tax exemption on admission tickets. This increases the viability of a cinema projects as well.

These screens will be coming up in Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mohali, Khanna (district Ludhiana) and Amritsar.

Speaking to Business Standard, Pramod Arora, CEO (Corporate Strategy), PVR Ltd, said in Ludhiana, a 4-Screen and another 6-Screen cinemas will come in Flamez Mall, Sarabha Nagar and Freemans Sliver Arc Mall, Ferozepur Road respectively.

"`In Bhatinda, a 4-Screen cinema will come at Clarion Mall, Civil lines, in Chandigarh, a 4-Screens cinema will come at Central Mall, Sector 39," he added.

"In Amritsar, three complexes with four screens each will come on Mall Road, Batala Road and New Amritsar respectively. At Mohali, a six to eight screen multiplex will come up in Today's Mall on Kharar Road," added Pramod.