We aim to have 1,000 screens by 2018: Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures

PVR, the largest multiplex chain, recently announced its partnership with Harvard Business School to be the FIELD global partners. Under this programme, PVR will focus on its two current challenges PVR-Expansion and Experience along with its revenue model. In an exclusive interaction with Entrepreneur, Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures, unveils what is so special about the PVR business model.

What are your expectations from the FIELD Global Partners Programme?

As you know, the Harvard Business School (HBS) is a prestigious and renowned name and the FIELD Global Partners programme is definitely a two-way process for the HBS students as well as for us, as the know-how of the processes come from our company and learning from them simultaneously.

The students are very bright and are open to learning and have presented innovative ideas/concepts for our business. We look forward to incorporate their ideas into our framework. The varied backgrounds of the students ensure an entirely global and independent perspective on the challenges that the Indian industry is facing currently.

(image) We are expecting the students to give comprehensive ideas to combat the challenges of such a wide and rapidly expanding market along with insights on various global practices. We also look forward to new thoughts and innovations that shall enhance PVR services and customer experience.

What makes the PVR business model unique?

Our company serves more than 60 million patrons pan India in metropolitan cities as well as in the Tier 2 and 3 locations. The ability to provide a quality cinema experience for patrons in diverse markets is PVR’s core strength.

Gauging the market dynamics and varied sensibilities, PVR has developed a unique business model that is flexible and nimble enough to cater to our country’s unique market needs.

From choosing the right location to developing world-class destinations to bringing well-suited content to providing varied food and beverage offerings, PVR takes utmost care on every parameter.

What are the challenges for you on the way to have 1,000 screens by or before 2018?

With a mission to have 1,000 screens by 2018, we have several challenges and some of them are:

1) The land laws in our country remain archaic and restrict available land for the development of retail destinations, so finding the right destinations at the right price remains a challenge.

2) Similarly, time-bound opening of cinemas remains a challenge due to cinema industry being a heavily regulated space.

3) High taxation and multiplicity of taxes is a big drain on our resources and ability to reinvest in our business.

4) Globally, there is a minimum three-month window between theatrical release and release on any other format such as DVD, TV and online; and in our country, this gap is not there.

What is your vision for PVR?

Growth is paramount to any business. As we aim at expanding to a 1,000 screens count by 2018 and continue to inspire excellence in the industry as thought leaders, sincerity, integrity, passion and hard work, need to be the key to reaching this landmark.

The company’s long-term vision is to excel in its domain by providing movie connoisseurs a premier experience by redefining cinema viewing. Our aim is to continuously innovate for audiences and give them an impeccable space, product and service. PVR’s overarching aim is to give its patrons the ultimate movie experience at its cinemas.

What are your fears as the market leader?

Being a leader, our fears are:

1) Short windows between theatrical release and release on other formats remains a big concern for us

2) Proliferation of variousdigital formats is our other concern Having said, it’s ourcore belief that the cinema experience is unique and distinct from all other movie watching formats. It’s inherently strong and would remain the first and the most preferred way to watch movies.