Hyderabad-based AMB Cinemas, a joint venture between Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and Asian Cinemas, faces an uphill task to prosper in what has turned out to be a barren locale for cinemas. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
On 16 January 2026, AMB Cinemas opened in Bengaluru with the first Dolby Screen in South India. The high-tech screen replaced another technological marvel for its time, the Kapali Theatre, one of India’s first Cinerama screens (a process using three synchronized projectors to transmit the image to a widescreen).
Hyderabad-based AMB Cinemas, a joint venture between Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu and Asian Cinemas, faces an uphill task to prosper in what has turned out to be a barren locale for cinemas. The scenes of family members walking to the till at the entrance of the tall building was an encouraging sign, but we are still far from witnessing the glory days of Gandhinagar again.
Reactions to the new nine-thousand-screen multiplex were divided on social networks. Hardcore cinephiles are eager to explore innovative movie-watching options, while local nostalgics feel that the entry of a Telugu-based film entity in what was once considered a stronghold of Kannada cinema is a setback for Sandalwood.
After its launch in 1968, Kapali screened several blockbusters Dr. Rajkumara, a legacy that was further carried on by his son Shivarajkumar (Om, Jogi).
Bharath Narang, one of the foremost leaders of Asian cinema, is unaware of the rich history of Kapali. “My father was a good friend of Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh. We want to revive the old memories of this iconic place and AMB Cinemas is our gift to the people of Karnataka,” he told reporters in an interaction.
KG Road, where AMB is based, is no longer a strong home for Kannada cinema. Telugu films tend to get multiple showings across individual screens in the area. Industry experts point to a “supply and demand” model, acknowledging the Telugu film industry’s ability to produce consistent big films and its advantage of having more superstars compared to Sandalwood.
“Kannada films will never face unfair treatment at AMB,” said Sunil Narang, Managing Director, AMB Cinemas. “One of our main attractions is our own canteen that offers quality food at affordable prices. Sathyam Cinemas in Chennai has led the way with a diverse dining experience, with their fluffy vadas being the highlight. At AMB Hyderabad, biryani is very popular. We are planning to introduce Bengali Donne Biryani here. With reasonable ticket prices, we want to offer people .”
The company plans to launch another multiplex in north Bengaluru, near the airport. Their main attraction is the Dolby Screen (dual Barco laser projectors with a special screen designed for the highest clarity), the second largest in India with 586 seats after the screen in Pune at the Citypride Multiplex. The multiplex has screens with 7.1 Dolby Atmos.
After Bengaluru, Hyderabad is gearing up to launch its first Dolby Cinema with the launch of Allu Cinema (superstar Allu Arjuna’s venture) at Kokapet. The robust film business in Hyderabad proves the development.
“In Andhra, people across the state are investing in films. The passion for cinema is more in Andhra Pradesh than in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. We have more stars and they are the key to the survival of theatres. I was shocked to know that Urvashi is ending in Bengaluru. It is a great screen,” said Mr Narang.
AMB Cinemas will work with what is best for its business, but the onus to save the Kannada film industry lies with the watchdogs of the industry, film critic and author Shyam Prasad told The Hindu.
“There hasn’t been a big star Kannada film for Sankranti in the last 15 years. So what options do theaters have? The Rajkumar family at one point went into production and distribution with great success. We need modern stars to take ownership of the industry and enter the film business. Young people like the Shettys, Rajthaj, Rajthan Rishan are producing films. What’s stopping the superstars?” he asked.
Published – 17 Jan 2026 21:36 IST
