High Tech - Barco Becomes the Preferred Projection Provider for Miraj Cinemas in India with New Three-Year Partnership

By Mulder, 26 september 2024

Barco, the global leader in laser-powered cinema projection technology, has signed a landmark three-year agreement with Miraj Cinemas, one of India's fastest-growing and largest movie theater chains. This strategic partnership makes Barco the preferred provider of advanced visualization solutions for Miraj’s expanding network of theaters across the country.

As part of this deal, Barco will supply its award-winning laser projectors for both new installations and upgrades at Miraj’s existing locations. The projectors will be integrated with Barco Alchemy ICMP media servers and enhanced service agreements to ensure top-tier performance and reliability. Qube Cinema, Barco’s long-standing integration partner in India, will be responsible for overseeing local installation and ongoing service support.

Miraj Cinemas, known for delivering a luxury movie-watching experience, currently operates nearly 200 screens in 50 locations across India. With its focus on comfort, luxury seating, and high-quality food options, Miraj aims to pair these premium amenities with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the visual experience for moviegoers. Barco’s advanced laser projection technology will now form the backbone of this offering, ensuring brighter, sharper, and more vibrant images on the big screen.

As part of the agreement, Barco’s laser technology will be featured not only in standard theaters but also in Miraj’s Premium Large Format (PLF) auditoriums. The introduction of Barco laser projectors across Miraj’s network will help the cinema chain differentiate itself in India’s competitive movie exhibition market.

Amit Sharma, Managing Director of Miraj Entertainment Limited, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: "We are delighted to announce our partnership with Barco, a global leader in cinema technology. This collaboration is a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of delivering the ultimate cinematic experience to our patrons. By integrating Barco’s state-of-the-art laser technology and Alchemy ICMP media servers, we are poised to redefine visual excellence across our theaters. Our audience can expect an immersive, high-quality movie experience that perfectly complements the luxurious comfort for which Miraj Cinemas is known."

Sharma also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to elevating the cinema experience at CinemaCon 2024, where Miraj confirmed its plans to enhance visual presentation and expand its branded premium format footprint. This agreement with Barco aligns with that vision, positioning Miraj at the forefront of cinema innovation in India.

This new partnership builds on the strong relationship between Barco and Miraj, which began nearly a decade ago. Barco first introduced its laser projectors at Miraj Cinemas in 2019, and since then, the two companies have been working closely to deliver high-quality cinematic experiences. The upcoming installations, starting in July 2024 at Miraj locations in Chennai and Wadala, Mumbai, will bring the next generation of Barco’s laser technology to the Indian market.

Gerwin Damberg, EVP of Cinema at Barco, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for expanding their work with Miraj: "We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership with Miraj Cinemas and continue building on our successful history together. Barco has a strong presence in India, and we are proud to work alongside a fast-growing and innovative cinema chain like Miraj. Together with our trusted partner Qube Cinema, we are excited to deliver exceptional cinema experiences for audiences across the region."

Qube Cinema, a leader in cinema technology solutions and the only authorized Barco integrator in India, plays a crucial role in this partnership. Qube has worked closely with Barco for over 15 years, installing thousands of cinema systems throughout India. Harsh Rohatgi, CEO of Qube, shared his excitement about the collaboration:

"As an organization passionate about cinema, we believe in providing the best solutions that help our theater clients deliver unparalleled visual and auditory experiences. We are excited to play a pivotal role in this partnership between Miraj and Barco. As Barco’s exclusive integrator in India, we have consistently recommended their laser projectors to clients seeking the highest projection quality. We look forward to supporting Miraj in their quest to deliver exceptional cinematic experiences to Indian audiences."

Miraj Cinemas, already India’s third-largest multiplex chain, has ambitious growth plans. Currently operating 212 screens across 65 properties in 48 cities and 16 states, Miraj is aiming to reach 300 screens by the end of the 2025 fiscal year. With over 50 screens already in the fit-out stage, Miraj is preparing to open new cinemas in key cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Patiala, Ludhiana, Indore, Alwar, Agra, and Jamshedpur.

Miraj Cinemas has built a reputation for blending state-of-the-art technology with premium hospitality, offering patrons an unrivaled fusion of entertainment and culinary excellence. The company’s integration of Barco’s laser technology marks the next chapter in this journey, enhancing the overall cinematic experience for moviegoers.

Barco, headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, is a global leader in visualization, collaboration, and networking technology. The company is known for driving advancements in the healthcare, enterprise, and entertainment markets through innovative solutions. With over 3,000 employees globally and sales reaching €1,050 million in 2023, Barco is committed to shaping the future of digital experiences. The company is listed on Euronext (BAR), Reuters (BARBt.BR), and Bloomberg (BAR BB). To learn more, visit www.barco.com or follow Barco on X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Miraj Cinemas is one of India’s fastest-growing and largest national multiplex chains. The company is dedicated to providing a luxurious moviegoing experience through a blend of cutting-edge technology, plush seating, and premium food offerings. With over 200 screens across the country and an ambitious target of 300 screens by 2025, Miraj is set to revolutionize the cinema experience in India.

Qube Cinema is a pioneer in digital cinema technology, providing a full range of solutions from content creation to exhibition. Qube’s diverse portfolio includes digital cinema servers, global content distribution systems, premium large format screens, and advertising networks. With thousands of installations across 135 countries, Qube is at the forefront of cinema innovation worldwide.

This partnership between Barco, Miraj Cinemas, and Qube Cinema represents a bold step forward in cinema technology in India, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience for audiences and setting a new benchmark for the country’s movie theater industry.

(Source: Press Release)