AMITABH VARDHAN AND THE MAGIC OF THE BIG SCREEN

For Amitabh Vardhan cinema is not just a form of entertainment. It is a passion. As the managing director and CEO of Cine Grand since 2010, he has dedicated himself to creating and crafting the ultimate cinema experience for viewers. Mr Vardhan's previous experience has prepared him well for the task – his professional background spans several countries, including India, the US, the UK, Romania, and Serbia, and a number of industries such as consumer goods, services, hospitality, and real estate. In all of these, Mr Vardhan has a strong track record of innovation, expansion and new partnerships. A TEDx speaker and a member of the Selection Committee for the Lux Audience Award, he has now published his first book and is ready to take up new challenges.

What makes Cine Grand Cinemas like no other in Bulgaria?

Cine Grand is more than just a brand; it's an emotion – a celebration of love and life. When we say that our company is about "Feel Special," we mean it for everyone who touches the Cine Grand experience. Whether it is our valued guests enjoying a movie or our dedicated team bringing the magic of cinema to life, we aim to create meaningful moments filled with care and joy. Cine Grand goes beyond watching films – it crafts unforgettable experiences that make everyone feel truly special.

Cine Grand has a proud history of introducing innovations and remains dedicated to surprising and delighting our guests. We always go the extra mile to enhance key touchpoints in the customer journey, continuously improving the digital, visual, and tangible aspects of the cinema experience. Every week, our team gathers for internal meetings focused on elevating the customer experience. Many of our most innovative ideas stem from these discussions, inspired by team insights and valuable customer feedback. We are committed to bringing these ideas to life, working tirelessly to implement solutions that exceed expectations and create unforgettable moments for our guests.

How do you inspire a spirit of professionalism and passion for their job in the people in Cine Grand team?

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their growth and development are among our top priorities, as we believe they are our greatest assets. This is why we have implemented an intensive training program and a rigorous development schedule that supports both personal and professional growth, focusing on mindfulness and behavioral skills.

As I often emphasize, our team is integral to our success, and building this foundation starts with cultivating the right organizational culture. That culture begins with me and our senior leaders – we model the behavior and competencies that we expect to see in our team. Creating a joyful, disciplined, and generous culture takes continuous effort and unwavering attention. It is not something you establish and forget; it requires daily care and involvement.

To sustain this culture, we focus on recruiting the right people, providing comprehensive training, and offering consistent support through counseling. Every team member contributes to shaping our organizational identity. I am proud to say that my core team is exceptional. Many of them have been with Cine Grand for a long time, sharing a strong bond that strengthens our vision and values.

In December, you published your first book, The Magic of The Big Screen. What inspired you to write it?

For a long time I realized that many books were dedicated to film production and the art of filmmaking, but there was none exploring the unique world of cinema exhibition. During the COVID pandemic, when cinemas were closed, I started writing, exploring and contemplating the topic. What started as scattered thoughts evolved into an extensive project. Over three years, I had written nearly 900 pages covering a wide range of subjects.

Eventually, I decided to shape my thoughts into a book. I had to condense the content, select the most relevant topics, and present them in a format that would be both useful and engaging for readers.

The Magic of The Big Screen is not only for professionals but also for anyone fascinated by the evolution of cinema's magic. Whether you're part of the industry, have a home theatre, or simply enjoy the cinematic experience, this book will give you a fresh and unique perspective on the journey and transformation of movie exhibition.

Why do you think people prefer watching movies in cinemas than watching OTT at home?

Multiplexes are purpose-built for one thing: delivering the ultimate cinematic experience. They are meticulously designed with advanced technology to provide unparalleled acoustic and visual quality. You cannot replicate this at home. The scale, clarity, and immersion of a multiplex environment bring movies to life in ways that smaller screens cannot.

OTT platforms are great for watching series or content that suits a stop-and-start viewing approach. They serve convenience, even if it comes with compromises in visuals, acoustics, and overall comfort. However, movies are crafted for the big screen, designed to be a larger-than-life experience with exceptional production quality meant to captivate audiences in a cinema setting.

This is why, even with the rise of OTT platforms, cinemas continue to thrive. The magic of watching a movie in a theater remains unmatched, and the communal experience of sharing that magic with others is something no home setup can replace.

What are your professional goals for 2025?

I strongly believe in making cinema accessible to everyone. While there is value in creating luxury cinema experiences, the heart of cinema lies in its ability to connect with the masses. For younger audiences, who may have limited disposable income, affordability is key to ensuring they can enjoy the magic of the big screen.

With this vision, I am working on an innovative cinema model that delivers a high-end visual and acoustic experience at an affordable price under the brand Veelo Cinema. This approach prioritizes accessibility without compromising quality. We plan to launch this initiative in India – a country with incredible diversity, a prolific film industry, and a vast, movie-loving audience that appreciates high-quality cinema at reasonable prices.

The reception so far has been overwhelmingly positive, confirming the demand for such a model. Once we establish a strong presence in India, we plan to expand internationally, starting with Europe, where Bulgaria will be our first stop.

What is the best measure for professional and personal success for you?

I am truly passionate about my work, and being in the cinema industry brings me immense joy. I feel incredibly privileged that God has allowed me to be a part of this world of cinemas. To me, success is not a fixed destination. It is a fleeting state of mind; at one moment, you might feel successful, and in the next, you might not. It all depends on your perspective and motivation.

For me, true success is when you can look at yourself in the mirror without ego and feel proud of the person staring back. Success, in its most meaningful form, must also be accompanied by selfless service to others, contributing to something greater than just personal achievement.