At this deluxe single-screen in Jodhpur, you can actually be a ‘Maharaja’
It’s 11 years old and is the first twin cinema hall in Rajasthan. And it’s not surprising New Kohinoor is the talk of the town. Owned by Janab Nur Mohammed, this Jodhpur property is a single screen with an ambience and deluxe facilities that mimic that of a multiplex. Both, its pricing and prime location help New Kohinoor stand apart from its competitors in the vicinity.
The cinema hall’s manager, Zameel, says, “Our cinema hall provides every possible modern amenity to movie-goers, from plush push-back chairs and elegant interiors to the latest sound systems. And all this at affordable prices.”
He further adds, “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai was the first movie that released in the Lower Hall. On April 1, 2000, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge released in the Upper Hall.”
The Facade: A square structure dipped in white with a hint of yellow. The front wall has a panel, which displays the names of movie playing at the cinema. There’s also space for posters and cutouts of actors. Perched atop the building is a bright red sign announcing the name of the cinema hall.
The side walls of the edifice are beautifully decorated, displaying movie and promotional hoardings. Billboards surround the campus, adding colour to the place.
Turn left and parking signage will lead movie-buffs to the basement. The ground floor and the basement can accommodate more than 200 cars. Two ticket counters are positioned on either side of the entrance, one each for the Upper Hall and Lower Hall.
The Lobby Area: The first and second floors mark the entry to the Lower Hall where as the third and fourth floors comprise the Upper Hall. All four floors sport cream-and-white walls with marble flooring. Every nook and corner displays movie posters(old and new) to brighten the atmosphere, and at times, foot-tapping Hindi numbers waft up from the vestibule.
While the reception area on the first floor is used by Golden and Platinum ticket holders, the second floor is solely for Maharaja patrons. Both floors have separate canteens and leisure counters.
The foyer for the Upper Hall (third and fourth floor) is similarly demarcated.
The Screen: In keeping with the colour scheme, the screen auditorium also has white-and-cream walls with marble flooring. Brown push-back chairs are spread across the Platinum and Golden sections but to distinguish them from the Maharaja section, grey upholstered push-back recliners have been used in these sections.
Lower Hall – Golden has a seating capacity of 94; Platinum 88; Maharaja 55.
Upper Hall – Golden and Maharaja208 seats each; Platinum 127. With the release of 3 Idiots, the cinema hall changed its technology to UFO. It uses the Dolby Digital sound system. Prices: Golden: Rs 40; Platinum: Rs 70; Maharaja: Rs 80.
The Canteen: One canteen on every floor. The concession stand serves regular munchies – samosas, burgers, popcorn and cold drinks. At par with a number of multiplexes, this single-screen still dominates the entertainment scene in Jodhpur.
