Mangal City: value for money

WITH MANGAL City mall-cum-multiplex being thrown open to the public today the stage is set for an all out fight for footfalls and eyeballs. And promoter Rajesh Mangal doesn’t look likely to blink first.

The charismatic thirty-something businessman exudes confidence as he tweaks last-minute preparations for the unveiling of the 4-screen 1,098 multiplex on AB Road.

Dressed in a businesslike blue suit set off by a jauntily colourful tie, Mangal is calm, almost unnaturally so, as, in between hushed asides to hovering subordinates at his Shaniwar Darpan office, he unravels his future plans during a tête-à-tête with Hindustan Times.

Excerpts:

When did you first get the idea for the Mangal City mall-multiplex?
The inspiration came during a trip to Chennai where I saw 3 screens located in the same complex. I felt that if a similar set up was set up here the cinematic variety on offer could help theatres win back audiences. The idea finally started taking concrete shape after a visit to Fun City in Gujarat.

What exactly is Mangal City going to offer?
The Mangal City mall-multiplex boasts over 2 lakh square feet of built up space all of which, except for 42,000 sq feet taken up by Adlabs, will be taken up by retail space. Brands like Adidas, Planet Sportswear and Vishal are already up and running. Others including retail giants Koutons, Lilliput and VIP Lounge have booked store space. McDonald’s and Vadilal are expected to launch within a month. An entertainment zone comprising gaming activities and a pub will also come up soon.

And, of course, the tie up with Adlabs, nation’s top multiplex chain, will make the mall a favourite destination for movie buffs. The building, designed by Hafeez Contractor, is at par with the latest building standards norms.

What is your strategy for competing with rival multiplexes?

Mangal City is a much more cost-effective proposition. A meal and movie combo for two will cost roughly Rs 350-400 here as opposed to Rs 500-700 at other malls. We feel that as the novelty wears off people visiting multiplexes will start paying more attention to the costs involved. That’s when we will score.

How much did the project cost?

(Smiles) I can’t answer that at the moment as we are still in the stage of putting in money. The total project costs will only be clear after a month or so.

What sort of a revenue sharing agreement does Mangal City have with Adlabs?

That I cannot tell you.

Apart from the shopping and movie experience how will Mangal City benefit the City?

The mall will provide employment, directly or indirectly, to over 1,700 people within a year. The figure is likely to be doubled once certain projects on the anvil are implemented.

Future plans?
We are in talks with a leading chain to start a starred hotel in the vicinity of Mangal City. 
The negotiations are in the final stages and the deal is likely to be finalised shortly.