Everything about Luxe by SPI Cinemas in Phoenix Market City screams excess. The uber-sophisticated theatre was launched by Governor K Rosaiah on Monday.
The lobby includes five automated ticketing kiosks, besides 10 other ticket-sale points to cater to a crowd of 2,600 plus. With 16 snack counters and a surfeit of toilets, serpentine queues can never be imagined.
And for those who had a deep-seated longing to try out spas, there is a cocoon of a space inside the complex for a quick 15-minute massage. For others, who don’t feel like relaxing, there is a gaming arena complete with a fooseball table and an attached cafe lounge to further their adrenaline rush.
Of course, all this is besides the plush brown seats facing the 11 dolby atmos ready screens (One of them is IMAX). And, here is the best part, you get all of it in the usual Rs 120.
If that hasn’t made you believe in fantasies yet, let’s talk about the luxurious grape-like chandeliers, the velvety curtains and the mammoth-sized wall-hugging frames that offer eye-popping bling. It’s a Las Vegas setting, minus the mega casinos and shotgun weddings.
As you enter, do not rush to the ticketing counter to your left, or get hypnotised by the automatic jazz-playing grand piano to your right, instead take a look at the pillar that stands bang in the middle like an elephant’s leg and thank your lucky stars. You are witnessing the largest video pillar in Asia, adorned with 72 LCD screens. Among other firsts, is the concept of a little retail store inside the complex that would sell movie merchandise. Yet another feature is the concept of paid restrooms for women. Spiralling stairs lead to a luxurious setting, complete with tables, chairs, and a personal handwash inside each cubicle that houses an array of moisturisers and other vanity from a London-based company. The fee would be anywhere around Rs 20 to 50.
With a restaurant inside the cinema, Luxe breaks itself form the final thread of convention. Offering a wide choice of mocktails, finger foods, sandwiches and pastas to choose from, the dining area rests in a generous space on top floor overlooking the projection rooms.