Mexico-based multiplex operator Cinepolis plans to launch around 500 screens in India in the next seven years. About 38% of these will come up in Western India and 50% in the south. Initially, the Mexican multiplex major is contemplating adding 50 screens in Maharashtra and Gujarat by next year.

Milan Saini, country head, Cinepolis India, said, ?We are aiming for 200 screens in Maharashtra in the next seven years and will invest $700,000 per screen. In Mumbai alone, we will be coming up with 100 screens.? In the Maharashtra region, Cinepolis is targeting markets like Pune, Nagpur, Surat and Ahmedabad.

Talking about its expansion in Mumbai, Saini said the company is in talks with various mall developers in areas like Dahisar, Thane, Mulund, Vashi and Kandivali. ?We are focusing on areas which will have the maximum footfall in the malls. Our target will be malls that are 500, 000 square feet in area, have good parking capacity and in good locations,? he said.

Cinepolis is also looking to open its megaplex project in Maharashtra, which is expected to be operational in 2010. Saini added, ?We are the first among various players to have 80% of our screens in megaplexes. We are specifically looking at Mumbai and Pune for a megaplex with 8-15 screens. However, the completion of this will depend on the developers.?

In the next calendar year, the company is expected to add 40-50 screens across India and will be opening its first property at Celebration Mall in Amritsar in November 2009. Cinepolis? current focus is on the western and southern regions. The company later plans to expand into smaller towns. It is also in talks with realty developers for creating 200 more screens across India by 2010.

?Last year, most players backed out from various projects due to the financial crisis. This is where we got lucky and picked up 10-15 projects.?

Saini said that the multiplex industry in India is at a nascent stage. ?There are only 0.5 multiplex screens for one million people, whereas Mexico has 40 screens for the same number. Looking at the increasing demand in the multiplex industry, we are adopting all formats that will help us to succeed in the market,? he said.

Cinepolis has signed deals with 12 developers in eight cities for setting up 110 screens in the first phase. Worldwide, the company has presence in 10 countries.