The Government of Odisha has approved the interest of Carnival Group for setting up 150 theatres-cum-recreation zones each unit comprising a multiplex, food court, retail stores and gaming zones in all 30 districts of the state. The proposal was approved in the state’s ongoing project approval as a part of Invest Odisha in a recent meeting by Chief Secretary, Mr. Aditya Prasad Padi. The proposal was vetted by Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Chairman, IDCO and CMD, IPICOL, Government of Odisha at Bhubaneswar with his team.

On this development Dr. Shrikant Bhasi, Promoter and Chairman of Carnival Group, said, “This is adding to our vision of 5250 screens, where in 1000 screens will be done by 2017. According to the proposal, Carnival will set up 150 theatres-cum-recreational zones and the state government will facilitate us with land from an acre to 1.5 acres per project, along with a single window clearance and ease in doing business. This move is bringing not only a major boost to entertainment industry but also a big impetus for regional movies, employment and social upliftment of the area.”

Ajit Chandrasekharan, Head of Institutions, Carnival Group, further added, “According to the proposal, we will complete the project in two phases over four years. We thank the IPICOL team for their support and guidance and knowledge partners, E&Y, CII in this case for their continued support. We are also in discussion with leading developers who are partnering with us and large retail chains like Future group, Aditya Birla, Sports stations & fashion stores, large format electronic giants, leading food chains etc. who are complementing the model of family entertainment centres.”