Aug 24, 2006 12:47 PM
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INOXis Kolkata’s first multiplex (not counting the West Bengal Government sponsored film-center Nandan which doesn’t even come close to the multiplex experience) and it is still the coolest. Inox, at present, is at two distinct locations
in Kolkata - at Elgin Road (Forum) and at Salt Lake (City Center). Both provide the viewer with a complete hassle-free filmviewing experience in plush but cosy auditoriums. Definitely, being treated to such lavish comforts and privileges wasn’t a priority for the cine-goers of Kolkata before Inox came into being, now it has become mandatory as the average viewer is spoilt for choice. The multiple screens, with the varied fare from Hollywood, Bollywood and Tollywood (as exceptions, even regional films from Chennai or Punjab have been released) tempt the viewers week after week. The huge collections at the box-office every weekend say a lot about the appetite of the Kolkatans who eat, drink and sleep movies. One hopes that in the long run the multiplex culture promotes good cinema and improves the quality of Indian films in general. The high pricing of the tickets can be a deterrent for a section of the viewers indeed, but the economy tickets during the Morning Shows (some as low as fifty bucks!) and for special screenings more than offset the price mount. I have been so addicted to watching films at Inox (mostly at the one at Elgin Road, due to location-wise convenience) that I dread visiting single-screen theaters, most of them in shambles. The only annoying thing that really bothers me is the fact that that food-counters (especially Refuel at the Elgin Road Inox) are horribly understaffed, it causes a lot of inconvenience during the intervals as the foodies have to sacrifice precious film moments (the film buffs like me have to let go of the sumptuous delights).
