ast month, Shringar Cinema�s multiplex chain, Fame, launched its 200-odd-seat �business theatre�, Jubilee, at a shopping mall in the north of Mumbai. With this, it joined the ranks of the handful of cinema halls with "5-star facilities" across the country. Quite alien to Indian audiences till recently, this �premium range� of cinema halls is targeted at yuppies who would not mind shelling out a couple of hundred bucks more for "a superior movie viewing experience".

Business-class theatres are more than just a screen and chairs. A better descriptor perhaps is lounge theatres. They have valet parking, a bar, recliner chairs like the ones in airplanes, butlers bringing you spring rolls to munch at your seat and lots of space to walk around, relax, chat, dance, drink, socialise, make business presentations.... In other words, do whatever you feel like. After all, you�ve booked the place. As you might have guessed by now, such theatres have a great market in institutions. Corporate meets, college gatherings, training sessions, workshops, promotions, seminars - all these could use such places to mix work with entertainment. ... more