MUMBAI:  Inox Leisure is planning to broaden its reach in the state of Karnataka and will be investing approximately Rs 1.6 billion (Rs 105.75 crores) in the state till 2010. The company planning to operate at least nine multiplexes with a total of 47 screens in Karnataka by 2010. It recently launched its second property in Bangalore.

On an average a sum of Rs 22.5 million (Rs 2.25 crores) is invested per screen. "We will open four more multiplexes in Bangalore city and one each in Mangalore, Hubli and Belgaum," said Inox Leisure COO Alok Tandon.

The company’s first property in Bangalore is situated at Garuda Mall and has five screens, whereas the second one has commenced operations at Sri Garuda Swagath Mall in Jayanagar. The latter is Jayanagar’s first multiplex and opened to patrons from 29 September. It has a total of three screens and 793 seats.

Tandon added, "Inox was amongst the first few national multiplex chains to open in Bangalore and the city has grown by leaps and bounds since then. Our new cinema is strategically located in the midst of the premium residential locality of Jayanagar. This will ensure that more and more Bangaloreans choose Inox to watch their movies."

Inox Leisure has a total of 26 multiplexes and 90 screens across 18 cities in India.