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Munish Sood
Mandi

A significant shift in entertainment and commerce is on the way for Mandi, as the first PVR multiplex in Himachal Pradesh is slated to open at the new U Mall by January next year. This project is anticipated to be a pivotal development for both Mandi and the broader urban landscape of the state, marking the debut of a PVR multiplex in a Tier-3 city.

The new multiplex will boast two state-of-the-art cinema screens, promising to enhance the movie-watching experience for Mandi residents and those from nearby areas who currently travel to larger cities like Chandigarh and Delhi for premium cinema.

In an exclusive interview, Nitish Sharma, Director of U Mall, shared that the PVR facility is expected to be operational within ten months, emphasizing a commitment to affordability and customer satisfaction.

Sharma stated, "We are striving to keep ticket prices low for our local audience. Even the food and beverage costs within the cinema will be kept reasonable."

He further explained that the primary goal of introducing PVR to Mandi is to motivate people to return to the cinema experience rather than relying solely on home viewing options.

"Our vision is straightforward — we want audiences to enjoy films as they are meant to be seen, in a world-class cinema environment. Every detail related to customer comfort and affordability has been meticulously planned, including parking fees, which will also be budget-friendly," he added.

Sharma believes that the establishment of PVR in Mandi will signify a transformative moment in the entertainment culture of Himachal Pradesh.

"This will be the first PVR multiplex in the state, and it has the potential to revolutionize the cinema-viewing experience here. Residents who previously had to travel to metropolitan areas for premium multiplex experiences will now have access to it right in Mandi," he remarked.

The U Mall initiative is also expected to attract several prominent national and international retail brands to Mandi, significantly reshaping the town's commercial and lifestyle landscape.

"Major brands are set to join the mall, and this development will permanently alter the trajectory and future growth of Mandi," Sharma concluded.

PVR INOX, recognized as India's largest and most prestigious multiplex chain, was established in 2023 following the merger of PVR Cinemas and INOX Leisure. The company currently operates over 1,700 screens across more than 350 locations in India and Sri Lanka, having pioneered the multiplex revolution in India with the launch of the first modern multiplex in Saket, New Delhi, in 1997.

The arrival of such a significant national entertainment brand in a Tier-3 hill city is seen as a strong indicator of Mandi's rapidly evolving commercial significance and shifting consumer expectations.