BIG Cinemas (previously AdLabs), Metro BIG Cinema (previously metro Adlabs) and Triveni BIG Cinemas Anantapur.
BIG Cinemas is currently the largest cinema chain in India. It was previously known as Adlabs Cinemas. Adlabs was founded in 1978 by Manmohan Shetty as a film processing unit.
In 2001, Adlabs entered the multiplex business by launching India's first IMAX theatre in Wadala, Mumbai. The company expanded by converting single-screen cinema halls into multiplexes like the famous Metro Adlabs in Mumbai. In 2005, Adlabs was acquired by ADAG (A Group Owned by Anil Ambani). In 2007, Adlabs acquired all the properties of Rave Cinemas, a cinema chain based in Kanpur.
The company recently acquired majority interest in Malaysia-based Lotus Five Star Cinemas, and will be operating a 51 screen cinema chain in Malaysia. The international network, in addition to Malaysia, also includes 220 screens covering the East, Mid West and West Coast of USA as also Mauritius and Nepal. Currently, Adlabs operates 70 properties and 181 screens in more than 40 cities across India. Adlabs commands a significant presence in Mumbai and Maharashtra.
The chain recently signed a deal with Phoenix Mills for the country’s largest multiplex cinema at the upcoming Phoenix Market City in Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai. The 140,000 sq ft (13,000 m2). multiplex will have 15 screens and over 4000 plus seats. Recently, the cinema chain was re-branded as BIG Cinemas.
Metro BIG Cinema (earlier Metro Adlabs (2006–2008), previously Metro Cinema (1938–2006)) is a famous cinema in Bombay, India. In 1938 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) acquired the land and built the cinema. The main architect of the cinema was Thomas W. Lamb of New York, and D. W. Ditchburn (Senior partner of the architectural firm Ditchburn Mistry and Bhedwar) of Bombay was the associate architect. It is located in the Dhobitalao area.
Triveni BIG Cinemas Anantapur, (launched on 21st August, 2009) now open at Anantapur Andhra Pradesh. The BIG Cinemas acquired the Triveni Cine Complex (in anantapur) and re-modeled it as "city class" multi-plex. Finally named it as Triveni BIG Cinemas (3 screens Available). Triveni BIG Cinemas is the Anantapur's 1st City class multi-plex.
