dlabs Cinemas� recent purchase of four cinema halls in Gujarat is part of a continuing trend of consolidation. PVR Cinemas, another major player, is also following this growth strategy.

�We are targeting a total of 250 screens across the country before 2010, with an investment of about Rs 400 crore. It is part of the first phase of our expansion plan. We will be especially focusing on South India, opening as many multiplexes as possible in eight towns, two each in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh,� says Pramod Arora, president and CEO, PVR Cinemas. ... more