The Indian movie buff is spoilt for choice and that’s exactly how he wants it to be. The multiplex phenomenon kicked off 12 years ago and though many are skeptical of the Indian audience wanting to spend money for a heightened theatrical experience, the findings of the Screen C-fore Survey 2009 reveals 86 per cent of respondents prefer to watch a film at a multiplex as against a less expensive single-screen theatre. As for the stars that lead audiences to the multiplex, Aamir Khan tops the survey for the second consecutive year with 28 per cent votes while Katrina leads the heroine pack with 31 per cent votes.

The survey reveals a new genre of films known as the multiplex cinema. Fresh actors, cutting-edge techniques and a simulating cinematic experience are defining these films. And no, they don’t necessarily feature a star or a formulaic approach. Multiplex cinema is coming into its own and leading the way as the top multiplex film with 66 per cent votes is Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D. Close on its heels is debutant director Zoya Akhtar’s Luck By Chance while Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey scored 47 per cent votes as the third most popular multiplex film.

Fresh from the success of Kaminey, Kapur believes that the multiplex onslaught has greatly impacted box office revenues. “With almost 25 shows, almost everyone can watch a movie in the first week itself. The first three days have become crucial,” says Kapur.

Among the actors whose careers have changed with the arrival of the multiplex, Abhay Deol leads the roost with 46 per cent votes, followed by Farhan Akhtar with 41 per cent votes. Amongst the women, 36 per cent believe that Konkona Sen Sharma’s career has received a major boost, followed by Katrina with 27 per cent votes. Films with urbane sensibilities have been voted as multiplex movies with 46 per cent votes.

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