On Sunday evening the news that SPI cinemas will be acquired by PVR Cinemas in a deal of 850 Crores for 72% Stake broke the hearts of the Chennaiites.
Here are ten reasons why PVR can’t Handle SPI Cinemas as they did.
1. The Popcorn
The Sathyam Popcorn is considered as the Pride of Chennai. It is one of the top 10 recommended things to do in Chennai. some people want to watch a movie just because they want to eat the popcorn.
There are no haters found for the Sathyam Popcorn , the best part being the masala seasoning which the audience can season it themselves as much as they want unlike other theatres which gives one small packet.
Apart from their popcorn their Cold coffee , cream Doughnut and their Chats are the favorites among the Audience.
Why PVR can’t Handle it : PVR is criticized for its high rates. The rate of small popcorn in SPI is Rs.100 versus PVRs Rs.220 , More than the price the taste cannot be matched. But Mr.Kiran Reddy , CEO of SPI has promised that the Popcorn would continue. Lets see.
2. The Service
SPI has the best service that can be offered in any theatre across India. They have a 24X7 customer service help line. you can call them and even get the tickets delivered home. The staffs are always quick to respond, efficient and courteous.
Back in 2005, Sathyam was the first theatre to hire skilled and educated staff which wasn’t done till then. Once you reach there you are welcomed by a staff, Guided till your seat.
They have an Extraordinarily working App and website unlike other theatres which comes under Ticket new or Bookmyshow
Why PVR can’t Handle it : PVR has one of the worst customer care service, they have one phone number for entire 630 screens across India, which is poorly handled.
PVR website opens bookings on thursday midnight for friday releasing movies.
The App works horrible goes without saying.
3. The Facilities
Sathyam changed the opinion of people who thought songs in movies were to go for smoking in the restrooms. They were first ones to have five-star restrooms in their theatres.
When was the last time a theatre offered you a powerbank to charge ? A pillow and Blanket if you felt cold ? and a manager online 24×7 on whatsapp who responds immediately during the movie if AC is cold ? Did i mention free WiFi ? Also Free water in all theatres.
These are still a distant dream for many theatres in India
Why PVR can’t Handle it : This might be handled well because it already exists .Don’t be surprised if they start charging you for what was given free to you.
4. Technology
This is one of the main reasons why SPI has its name and fame today. They have been a forerunner in bringing the technology that was on par with the best theatres in the World.
They were the first theatre to have completely digital projectors, In their new theatres they removed the concept of projector room . It was the first theatre to have Dolby Digital, Dolby atmos and 3D movies .
They have four-way speakers that give high precision in all frequency ranges. they inroduced RDX and Auro 3D
Once they were the only theatres to have Subtitles which invited the Tamil audience to see more Non-Tamil films. This was a major change. now they have Subtitles on all Wednesdays and Thursdays .
Why PVR can’t Handle it : As long as technology isn’t ruined ,its fine. PVR has a history of not starting movies on time which would be a major difference compared to SPI
5. Unique Shows
They have a Show every week called ‘ Blind Date‘ where the audience have no clue what movie they are going to watch which was a thrilling experience to cinephiles.
SPI launched Special shows for the differently challenged people “SENS” with all extra facilities which made sure their movie reached everyone
They have a Unique Show Called ” DO NOT DISTURB” where the audience cannot shout,use mobile phones and not even be late for the show, because you will not be allowed.
Why PVR can’t Handle it : Because it’s going to take extra efforts hence might be discontinued.
6. Entertainment activities
Apart from just watching a movie SPI wanted to give audience more entertainment. you can spend a whole day at Sathyam eating , playing and even getting a massage done.
Blur Gaming – where lot of interesting games are available like Xbox, Virtual reality and PC games, once your’e done with that you can play some bowling maybe?
Flip– A library and tea Lounge for the Bookworms.
Apart from this they have Dine at EA, La Piazza at Forum Mall and various other places.
Why PVR can’t Handle it : Hopefully the ID and other restaurants shouldn’t be sold along with theatres to PVR. In fact they can consider introducing the popcorn and doughnuts to ID menu .
7. Catch Celebrities :
SPI was the most preferred theatre by all the top Celebrities and Stars,because of the High security they provide to the stars.
Audience have been surprised a lot of times. The actor or director of the movie might watch the movie sitting next to you . For the producers , getting the Sathyam Main screen was a matter of Pride and emotion.
Also it is one of the most preferred place for Audio launch and Press meets From Rajnikanth to Dhoni to name a person ,they have been to SPI .
Why PVR can’t Handle it : Not sure if celebrities or Producers would take pride in watching FDFS of their movies at PVR Cinemas. Kekave narasaamaa irukku ..
8.The Infrastructure
Each theatre has its own theme and built with so much detailing and perfection. You will feel like entering a 5 Star Hotel. Swanky Interiors in all screens.
They introduced couple seats for the first time. they make sure they have the best seating and carpets around the theatre makes it an Amazing ambience to watch
They have a neat ticket counter and food counters
They have ample car parking space and provide parking at just Rs.10 for a Bike.
Why PVR can’t Handle it : PVR maintains one red colour carpet everywhere and haven’t really concentrated on the interiors much. Hopefully they maintain whats being given to them. we all know how nominal PVR is when it comes to Parking . LOL..
9. Miscellaneous facilities
They launched Pre-book in 2016 and Still there is no other theatre that offers advance booking where you can book your tickets much ahead of the usual booking.
They have a Magazine called S Magazine which covers the latest happenings.
They have their own wallet called Fuel wallet which was introduced almost a decade back much before paytm etc.
They were one of the earliest theatres to have Online booking
Why PVR can’t Handle it : Booking a ticket itself is a huge struggle, aprom thana prebook. Forget it brother.
10. The Differences :
- Sathyam has been trying to be nominal and economical to the audience and concentrated on customer satisfaction. On the other hand PVRs priority has been Making money rather than getting the customer satisfaction.
- Sathyam would be the first choice to book a ticket versus PVR which would be booked if tickets are unavailable in other theatres.
- PVR has been expanding too much (630+ Screens ) which is also a major reason for its inability to give every theatre a best movie going experience
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What’s Ahead :
20 years into this field, They have stole Everyone’s hearts including actors and producers with their outstanding Efforts.
Once the people heard the news , The entire Social media was filled with tweets and memes saying this shouldn’t happen,this must be fake . especially the SPI Loyalists prayed that the deal must fail.
But the Kiran Reddy ,CEO of SPI , made it official saying the news was true and that the SPI culture and experience will continue to be what it has always been.
10 Reasons why PVR cannot be better than Sathyam 