From correspondents in Delhi, India, 06:32 PM IST

At a time when Indian multiplexes are going through a dry spell following a tussle with film producers, the world's fifth largest multiplex chain has announced its foray into India with 110 screens across eight cities.

Cinepolis, the largest multiplex chain outside the US, will build the first set of theatres in India in the second half of 2009. The facilities will have more than 14 screens at one location, a senior company official said.

'We have made a substantial commitment to India and are excited at the prospect of being in a country which is the highest producer and consumer of filmed entertainment,' said Cinepolis strategy head Javier Sotomayor.

Milan Saini, Cinepolis country head, said despite the recession, this was the right time to enter a new market.

'In various parts of the world, almost always, the time of recession becomes a good time for cinema. People tend to watch more films. Last year, cinema viewing in the US doubled. We are expecting the same in India,' said Saini.

'As far as the multiplex tussle is concerned, we are not party to those discussions. But we hope that it gets resolved soon,' he added.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)