A model of Uphaar multiplex in Ranchi. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, July 15: Keeping pace with the changing times, city theatres are taking on the avatar of multiplexes offering entertainment, food courts, restaurants and brand outlets all under one roof.

Uphaar cinema hall near Ratu Road would soon give way to a sprawling four-storeyed 1,00,000sqft two-screen multiplex, Ilex Uphaar, which would also house 300-3,000 sqft shops.

After watching their favourite Hindi and English potboilers, cine-goers would get a chance to shop in centrally air-conditioned comfort.

Escalators and lifts would swish the shoppers up and down the floors and modern fire fighting and security system would be installed at the multiplex.

“Mumbai-based architect Sanjay Puri has been signed up for the Rs 8cr project that is likely to be completed in two years,” said the project owner, Pradeep Modi.

Popular brands and food chains like Pizza Hut and McDonald’s would set up shop at the multiplex to lure visitors.

The multiplex would have 24’’ pushback seats and would be equipped with digital Dolby surround system. Modi said tickets would be priced between Rs 60 and Rs 150.

“We have kept the rates reasonable to suit the budget of both youngsters and adults,” he said.

“The construction work of the project has begun and we are inviting parties to buy shop spaces,” he added.

Another three-screen yet-to-be-named multiplex is also coming up in the heart of the city and is set for completion by the end of 2008.

Requesting anonymity, the project in-charge said it would be a 750-seat multiplex.

While the largest screen would have 450 seats, the smallest would have 175 seats, he said.

For designing the plex, Delhi-based Arochm Consult Private Limited, which has a branch in Holland, has been signed up.

“The plex would also have an entertainment centre that would have video games and pool parlours,” the official added. The project would come up on a 1,00,000sqft plot.

“But the multiplex would be built on 25,000sqft and would have trendy shops and food counters,” the official said, without revealing what would be done with the rest of the area.