Huma Mall, yet another multiplex to join the bandwagon
Neetha Nair, Powai
Sharon Anthony can’t stop grinning. This self-confessed movie lover is elated at the thought of yet another multiplex coming up, and this time it’s very close to her residence in Powai. Sharon says, "Although I haven’t got a chance as yet, I’m really looking forward to visiting the new Huma Adlabs at Kanjurmarg. I’m sure I’ll have a marvelous movie-watching experience. And the best part is that I won’t have to travel all the way to Mulund for it now!”
“May be my parents will even let me go for the night show now," she adds with a wink. But doesn’t she feel that there are too many multiplexes looming up all of a sudden. "Oh no!" she exclaims. "For somebody who’s as crazy about movies and watches every movie first day first show as I do, each additional multiplex is a new treat to look forward to," she says.
The newly opened Huma Adlabs, a part of Huma Mall near LBS Marg in Kanjurmarg, has local residents excited. This 4-screen multiplex with a combined seating capacity of 1,263 has been built at an estimated cost of 8-10 crore and held its first screening on August 5 2005. While there are a few localites like the Jacobs who feels that the city has more than its share of multiplexes and Huma Adlabs is just an unnecessary addition, the majority of the population is gung-ho at the idea of a mall cum multiplex closer to home.
But what is the objective behind restructuring the dilapidated Huma Cinema known more known for its B-grade movies to the eye-catching Huma Adlabs? Says Sachin Shetty, general manager, Huma Adlabs, "We saw an extremely high potential in this complex for entertainment options. This area has many corporate offices and BPOs that can be addressed and talked to. It also makes very good business sense to renovate an old property - most people are aware of the old theatre and naturally want to experience the new theatre. Also, the vicinity or the location of the multiplex is ideal, as it is easily accessible - very close to Kanjurmarg Railway Station, LBS Marg and the Eastern Express Highway."
But won’t the presence of a multiplex right next to a busy road create even more traffic problems? LBS Marg is known for its major traffic jams especially at peak hours. "No," says Shetty. "We have ample car packing space within the complex for moviegoers. Separate entry and exits for the vehicles have also been provided. The exit opens onto the inner road and not directly on to LBS Marg. Extreme care has been taken to provide unhindered traffic flow."
Thus as moviegoers like Sharon celebrate at the opening of a new multiplex and the availability of yet another entertainment option in space-crunched Mumbai, it remains to see how Huma Adlabs fares in this age of innumerable malls and multiplexes.
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