Guwahati to get its first multiplex, today

Guwahati, Dec 21: The smug experience of watching a movie in the comfort of a state-of-the-art theatre will be available in Guwahati, with Cinemax all set to open shop here.

The cinema hall chain, which has 11 theatres with 35 screens in the country, including one at Guwahati, also has plans for another such hall soon here, with more to follow for the North East region.

The first of these would be located in the premises of Dona Planet, the first multiplex in the North East region scheduled for inauguration today.

The commercial launch of the multiplex as well as Cinemax, and other shops in Dona Planet, would take some time as last minute finishing touches are on.

Disclosing this at a pre-opening press meet here yesterday, Dona Builders Managing Director (MD) Abani Das said, '' The multiplex will open to customers very soon, though the formal inauguration will take place tomorrow.'' He lauded the Government support in building the multiplex, adding that such modern recreational centers were being promoted all over the country to boost tourism.

'' Dona Planet will enjoy tax holiday and other exemptions for the first five years as announced by the Government,'' he said and added that it was a common phenomenon in the country now to attract investors. Kashmir and Jharkhand gave seven years exemption while Gujarat also gave an exemption for five years.

Talking on the sidelines of the press meet, General Manager (GM) Cinemax Guwahati Debajit Phukan said, '' This is just the first one we are opening. Another will come up in Guwahati itself very soon.'' He informed that Cinemax was conducting surveys in parts of Upper Asom and Meghalaya Capital Shillong.

''Depending on the findings of the survey, we will open there also,'' he stated.

The Cinemax at Dona Planet would be a two screen one, with total seating capacity of 450.

Mr Phukan informed that it would start with four shows daily per screen initially and increase number of screenings on the basis of demand.

'' We also hope to organize premier shows of Bollywood films, which would be the first of its kind for the region,'' he said, adding that regional language cinemas would also be screened.

UNI