Connplex Cinemas has launched its premium Luxuriance format at CINEBAR, Level 1, Tribeca Highstreet, NIBM, Pune, bringing a new cinema experience to the city. The move reflects the brand’s focus on offering high-end, comfort-led movie viewing for today’s urban audience.

Located in one of Pune’s fast-growing lifestyle hubs, the new multiplex is designed to cater to audiences looking for a more refined entertainment experience. Connplex Cinemas currently operates over 300 screens across 35+ locations, with formats like Express, Signature, and Luxuriance tailored for different audience preferences.

The Pune property features four premium screens with a total seating capacity of 225 seats, spread across 7,778 sq. ft. The design focuses on creating a more intimate and comfortable setting, combining modern aesthetics with a boutique-style experience.

Each screen is equipped with plush recliner seating, offering added comfort and privacy. Advanced projection systems ensure clear and vibrant visuals, while high-quality audio technology creates an immersive sound experience. The offering is further enhanced with a curated food and beverage menu and personalised service, turning a regular movie outing into a more premium experience.

The location also adds to the overall appeal. Tribeca Highstreet hosts a mix of dining and social spaces, including The Murphies, The Urban Foundry, and Hippie@Heart, allowing visitors to combine movies with food and leisure activities.

Kalpesh Mehta, Founder, Tribeca Developers, said, “As high-street developments evolve into lifestyle-driven ecosystems, experiences like Connplex Luxuriance play a pivotal role in shaping how people engage with retail and entertainment. At Tribeca Highstreet, our vision has always been to curate destinations that blend design, community, and premium experiences, and this launch is a strong step in that direction.”

Speaking on the launch, Anish Patel & Rahul Dhyani, Founders & Directors, Connplex Cinemas, said, “Pune, the future of cinema arrives with us. Connplex Cinemas is here to set a bold new benchmark in experience, innovation, and design because this city deserves nothing less than extraordinary.”

With this launch, Connplex Luxuriance aims to position itself as one of Pune’s premium cinema destinations, while also strengthening Tribeca Highstreet’s identity as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Spread across 3.66 lakh sq. ft. with over 90+ brands, Tribeca Highstreet continues to attract a steady footfall, making it one of the city’s key lifestyle destinations. The addition of Connplex Luxuriance further enhances its appeal, offering visitors a complete mix of retail, food, and entertainment in one place.

Chennai’s hospitality space is seeing a fresh and personal addition with The Adyar House, a boutique homestay concept started by a father-son duo, Satish and Anirudh Rao. Located in Adyar and Nandanam, the two properties reflect a simple idea, creating a stay that feels rooted in Chennai’s culture while offering the comfort of a modern space.

The journey began a year ago with their first property in Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar. What was once their family home of ten years was turned into a boutique homestay, built around warmth and familiarity. While neither Satish nor Anirudh comes from a traditional hospitality background, their shared interest in creating meaningful guest experiences shaped the idea. Satish, an ex-salesman turned entrepreneur, and Anirudh, an Ashoka University graduate and former consultant who is now a restauranteur, have brought their own perspective into the space.

Adding to the Adyar property is TERU, Anirudh’s restaurant on the ground floor. The outlet focuses on South Indian street food, offering regional favourites such as Salem’s Thattu Vada Set, Andhra’s Punugulu, and Mangalore’s Banana Buns, making the property a destination not just for stay but also for food.

Following the response to their first space, the duo recently opened their second property on Chamiers Road, Nandanam. This seven-room homestay carries a strong Chennai theme, with each room named after a well-known beach in the city. The design reflects this idea through small but thoughtful details, including shoreline photographs, surfer-inspired elements in the Kovalam room, and the Shore Temple featured in the Mamallapuram room. Even the keycards carry illustrated beach designs, adding a playful touch.

The property is designed to be both comfortable and easy to navigate. Guests can choose between assisted check-in or a self-check-in option with keycards placed in lockboxes and access details shared in advance. Accessibility has also been considered, with features such as a ramp at the entrance, lift access, and clear guides for services like WiFi and check-in.

Each room comes with basic comforts including air-conditioning, a television, kettle, and refreshments. Guests also have access to shared facilities like a kitchenette, washing machines, and dryers, making it suitable for both short and slightly longer stays.

What stands out is the effort to offer an authentic Chennai experience. Guests receive personalised welcome cards with recommendations on places to visit and things to do around the city, reflecting the hosts’ connection to Chennai and their intent to share it with visitors.

With properties in Adyar and Nandanam, The Adyar House offers a stay that balances familiarity with thoughtful design, making it a comfortable option for both travellers and locals looking to experience the city in a different way. For more information visit their website: www.theadyarhouse.com   

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. This greenfield project marks another step in the company’s expansion into emerging travel destinations across India.

Sharing details on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Supported by its natural landscape and improving accessibility, Dirang is witnessing growing demand from both leisure travellers and adventure enthusiasts. Its strategic location enroute to Tawang positions it as an important destination in Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism itinerary. The signing of Gateway Dirang reflects IHCL’s focus on pioneering new and emerging destinations and we are delighted to partner with Mr. Phurpa Tsering for this project.”

The upcoming Gateway Dirang will feature 70 rooms and will include an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, and a bar. The hotel will also offer a banquet hall along with dedicated meeting spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Recreational facilities planned for the property include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.

Mr. Phurpa Tsering, said, “We are pleased to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Dirang. As the destination continues to gain prominence, this collaboration brings IHCL’s expertise to the region supporting sustainable tourism and local development.”

Located in the West Kameng district, Dirang is known for its scenic surroundings, including apple orchards, terraced farms, and pine-covered hills. The destination is also popular for its natural hot water springs, attracting travellers exploring the region, especially those en route to Tawang.

With this addition, IHCL will have a total of 21 hotels in the North East, including 12 that are currently under development. The move highlights the company’s continued focus on expanding its presence in lesser-explored regions while supporting tourism growth in the area.

Mr. Phurpa Tsering and his family, who are the owners of the project, are well-known developers in Dirang with a strong presence in the construction sector. They also operate cinema halls and are among the largest cinema screen operators in the North-East region.

The signing of Gateway Dirang reflects a growing interest in the North East as a travel destination and underlines IHCL’s strategy of bringing branded hospitality to new locations.