Cracks begin to appear in multiplex lobby

MUMBAI: Just like in a climax of a thriller movie, the plot thickens before a nail-biting finish. After an impasse of over seven weeks between producers and exhibitors, there seems to be a twist in the tale, as cracks are beginning to show in the unity of the multiplex lobby.

One of the biggest multiplex players, that runs the maximum number of screens in India, is heard to be close to signing a deal with producers. So far, each camp had been completely united, with no question of either bending to the others��� demands.

���Negotiations are at an advance stage,��� said a representative of a national multiplex chain, when contacted. The additional twist came from rumours of two of the other multiplex players also joining in. This would lead to a serious divide in the exhibition camp, as the three players together control 50% of the total screens in India.

The exhibition industry, meanwhile assures ET, that all six players���Big Cinemas, PVR, Inox, Cinemax, Fame and Fun Cinemas are united and no one is going to break off on their own. Of these, five are listed companies, whose first quarter of the new financial year has been severely impacted.