agra | Business Upturn

PVR INOX opens Rs 4-screen multiplex in Agra, enhancing cinematic experience

Yash Agarwal — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:28:28 +0000

PVR INOX Limited has expanded its footprint in Agra with the launch of a 4-screen multiplex at Anjana Central, MG Road. This new cinema, developed under the Franchise Owned Company Operated (FOCO) model, features advanced technologies including RGB Laser projection, Dolby 7.1 sound system with HARMAN (JBL) speakers, and a next-generation 3D system.

With this opening, PVR INOX now operates the largest multiplex network in India and Sri Lanka, boasting 1,799 screens across 359 properties in 114 cities. The Agra multiplex, which opened with the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, aims to blend the city’s rich heritage with premium cinematic standards.

The new venue is set to support Agra’s economic growth, aligning with the state’s $1 Trillion economic vision. It also aims to enhance the city’s cultural landscape by providing a high-end entertainment option for both residents and tourists. The multiplex offers a ‘social hub’ cinema experience with café-inspired interiors and a seamless spatial layout.

The project is designed to empower the local community, creating professional career paths in hospitality and technical management. PVR INOX’s FOCO model ensures that economic growth remains within the city by partnering directly with local business owners.

Mr. Pramod Arora, CEO – Growth & Investment at PVR INOX, stated, “Agra marks an important step in our expansion into emerging urban markets where audiences are increasingly seeking premium, experience-led entertainment. Through our FOCO model, we can combine strong local partnerships with PVR INOX’s world-class cinema expertise, bringing immersive technology, thoughtfully designed spaces, and elevated hospitality to the city.”

With this launch, PVR INOX operates 147 screens across 29 properties in Uttar Pradesh and 483 screens across 102 properties in North India, solidifying its position as the country’s largest film exhibition company.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Mach Conferences & Events secures empanelment with Adani Cement, enhancing growth potential

Matrika Shukla — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:18:24 +0000

Mach Conferences & Events Ltd., a leading player in India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, has announced its empanelment with Adani Cement, a major milestone in the company’s growth journey.

This strategic partnership has already resulted in a significant order from ACC Cement and Ambuja Cement, key entities within the Adani Cement portfolio. MCEL will manage logistics, transfers, accommodations, and sightseeing for 444 participants in Delhi and Agra, and 841 participants in Gujarat. The project is slated for completion within the current financial year.

Mr. Amit Bhatia, Chairman & Managing Director of MCEL, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“Our empanelment with Adani Cement is a key moment for MCEL. It opens up new avenues for growth, and we aim to increase our revenue share from the group to approximately 10% of our total revenue in the coming year.”

The empanelment with Adani Cement marks a pivotal step in MCEL’s strategy to align with India’s leading businesses and further solidifies its reputation as a trusted provider of large-scale event management services.

Ruhani Sharma slams piracy as her controversial bold scene from movie Agra leaks online

Adnan Nasir — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 11:54:09 +0000

The movie – Agra – earned multiple awards and was even premiered at the Cannes Festival in 2023. That’s all being reduced to some viral clips, which took over all the hard work and dedication of the team in its making. The film has not made it to streaming platforms yet, but it has leaked on pirated websites. While some watched on pirated sites, bold scenes from the film were leaked, which are now all over social media. This has been going on for long, with the actress now feeling the urge to react.

Ruhani mentioned, “What’s even more disheartening is how quick some are to judge without understanding the blood, sweat, and tears that go into bringing such a project to life.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ruhani Sharma (@ruhanisharma94)

“Agra isn’t just another film-it’s a labor of love that premiered at Cannes Film Festival 2023, a prestigious honor for any artist. The film has been internationally acclaimed, winning several awards and receiving recognition for the very thing we strive for: pushing the boundaries of world cinema,” read her lengthy post.

She conclude simply with, “I stand by my choices, and I’m incredibly proud of this film and the entire team that made it happen. For those who may not fully grasp or appreciate this style of filmmaking, I ask for your respect.”

Uttar Pradesh’s Top Tourism Places: From Taj Mahal to Varanasi

Matrika Shukla — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:49:26 +0000

Uttar Pradesh recently gained significant attention due to the grand Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This upcoming temple is poised to become a major attraction for both pilgrims and tourists, enhancing Uttar Pradesh’s appeal in the realm of tourism. The state holds a special place in history as the land where revered figures like Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Buddha once walked, establishing it as a cornerstone of Indian mythology and civilization. Despite its vastness, Uttar Pradesh seamlessly integrates iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, spiritual destinations like Kushinagar and Varanasi, and cultural hubs like Lucknow into a rich tapestry of heritage, architecture, religious significance, and natural beauty. This diverse blend of monuments, spiritual centres, and wildlife sanctuaries makes Uttar Pradesh a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Best time to visit: Some of the best times of year to visit Uttar Pradesh are during the cooler months, specifically from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, winter, which spans from December to February, is a great time to visit as it hosts various cultural events and festivals like the Kumbh Mela and the Magh Mela.

Here are some places you must visit on your next trip to UP:

Agra

Agra, a significant destination in Uttar Pradesh renowned worldwide as the home of the Taj Mahal, sits gracefully on the banks of the Yamuna River. This city not only houses the iconic Taj Mahal but also boasts two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, offering a glimpse into the rich architectural history of the Mughal empire. Agra is a key stop on the popular Golden Triangle Circuit, which includes Delhi and Jaipur, as well as part of the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc with Varanasi and Lucknow. Agra appeals to history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and food aficionados alike, known for its delectable Petha sweets and exquisite marble crafts. It stands out as a must-visit location in Uttar Pradesh for both locals and international visitors exploring India.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, a city constructed from red sandstone, was established in 1571 by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Situated 40 km from Agra, it stands as a symbol of the Mughal Empire’s grandeur. Serving as the empire’s capital for fifteen years, Fatehpur Sikri showcases a remarkable fusion of Indo-Islamic architectural brilliance and religious influences. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features three palaces dedicated to Emperor Akbar’s favourite wives, including Hindu, Muslim, and Christian influences; the impressive Jama Masjid still in active use; the grand Buland Darwaza; and the revered tomb of Salim Chisti. The city exudes a magical charm, especially at sunset, making it a top destination to explore in Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi

Varanasi, known as Kashi and Benaras, is revered as the world’s oldest living city and stands out as a prominent tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh. As one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, Varanasi holds the title of India’s spiritual capital. The city is adorned with numerous temples, with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a revered Jyotirlinga shrine, being the oldest and most frequented. Varanasi is believed to be a sacred place for attaining moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death. Along the Holy Ganges, around 80 ghats symbolize the essence of Varanasi. The Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spectacle of grandeur and spiritual significance, is a must-see experience in the city. Additionally, savouring the local delicacies like hot chaat and refreshing lassi promises a delightful culinary journey for visitors.

Mathura

Mathura, known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, holds a significant place as one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, attracting pilgrims and tourists worldwide. Similar to Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti, Mathura’s Yamuna Aarti is a key attraction. The town experiences a surge in visitors during the festive seasons of Janmashtami and Holi. Shri Krishna Janmabhumi stands out as a major tourist spot, believed to be the precise location of Lord Krishna’s birth, with the prison where he was born now open for public viewing. Other notable temples include Dwarkadheesh Temple and Gita Mandir. Mathura is also renowned for its delectable street food offerings, including kachodis, aloo-puri, chaat, jalebis, and gulab-jamuns.

Lucknow

Lucknow, the capital and largest city of Uttar Pradesh greets visitors with the welcoming phrase ‘Muskuraiyein, kyunki aap Lucknow mein hai’ (Smile, for you are in Lucknow). Positioned along the Gomti River, this city is renowned for its Nawabs, Kebabs, architecture, history, literature, and culture. The iconic Rumi Darwaza, a Mughal Gateway at the heart of the city, separates Lucknow into its old and new sections. The old part is famous for its lively streets, delicious kebab and biryani eateries, Lucknowi Chikan market, and jewellery stores, while the new part is a melting pot of cultures, urban, and one of Asia’s most well-planned cities. Lucknow stands out as a prominent destination not just in Uttar Pradesh but across India.

Prayagraj

Allahabad, now officially known as Prayagraj, is renowned for Triveni Sangam, the sacred meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, making it a significant tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh. Situated in the ancient town of Prayag, Allahabad has been historically famous for hosting the grand Hindu gathering known as the Maha Kumbh Mela every twelve years at the Sangam, drawing millions of pilgrims worldwide. Originally named Prayag or Prayagraj, the city was later called ‘Ilahabas’ by Emperor Akbar and then ‘Allahabad’ by his grandson Shah Jahan. Besides Triveni Sangam, popular attractions in Allahabad include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan – the Nehru family’s ancestral home, All Saints Cathedral, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and Allahabad Museum.

[The article has been modified using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.]

Kanu Behl’s Agra film premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on 24th May – All deets inside

Sheetal Choudhary — Thu, 25 May 2023 12:10:49 +0000

The Hindi language film Agra directed by Kanu Behl has been released in the Director’s Fortnight section on Wednesday at the 76^th Cannes Film Festival. The movie is the only feature from India that is selected for being premiered at the festival. After the screening, the film received a 5-minute standing ovation from the attendees. The world premiere was witnessed by director Kanu Behl, producers Siddharth Anand Kumar, Sahil Sharma and William Jehannin and by actors such as Priyanka Bose and Mohit Agarwal.

https://twitter.com/YoodleeFilms/status/1661453325760618496?s=20

Agra film explores the sexual repression that an individual goes through while staying in the family. It centers on Guru, a 25-year-old boy, who is sexually suppressed and lives with her mother in a small house in Agra. His father stays on the upper floor with another woman and the only place where he can find peace is the terrace that is on top of the house. Guru claims that he will marry Mala, who is an imaginary person and reside on the terrace with her just like his father does.

https://twitter.com/KanuBehl/status/1661525652955361280?s=20

Director Kanu Behl has expressed his thoughts regarding the film and stated that the story is somewhere inspired by his own personal journey and he feels very overwhelmed that the film received so much love from worldwide. The filmmaker made his debut with ‘Titli’ which was released in 2015 and also premiered at Cannes in 2014. Agra Film is produced by Saregama India Ltd, O28 Films and UFO Production.

Indian Railways to add additional coaches in certain trains, Check details here

Ayisha Farah — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 06:17:54 +0000

Indian Railways’ North Central Railway(NCR) zone will be adding additional coaches in certain trains given the upcoming festive season. It has been declared that the trains will run with updated coach composition from this month.

1. 01803/01804 Jhansi-Lucknow-Jhansi Special: AC Chair Car-01, General Chair Car-01: Modified car structure SLR / D – 02, Third AC -0 1, AC Chair Car -03, General Chair Car -07, normal -0 1.

2. 02180/02179 Agra Fort-Lucknow-Agra Fort Special: AC III -0 1, general -0 1: Modified car structure SLR / D – 02, Third AC -0 1, General -0 4, AC Chair Car -02, General Chair Car -09.

3. 01106/01105 Jhansi-Kolkata-Jhansi Special: AC III -0 1, Modified car structure Selar- 0 1 SLR D – 0 1, General -0 4, AC II -0 1, AC III -0 7, sleeper -0 7.

4. 01107/01108 Gwalior-Varanasi-Gwalior Special: Sleeper -0 1, Modified car structure Selar- 0 2 General -0 6, AC co II -0 1, AC II -0 2, AC III -0 4, sleeper -0 7.

5. 01126/01125 Gwalior-Ratlam-Gwalior Special: Sleeper -0 1.

02126/02125 Bhind-Ratlam-Bhind Special: Sleeper -0 1, Modified car structure Selar- 0 2 General -0 6, AC -0 1, AC II -0 1, AC III -0 3, sleeper -0 8.

6. 04116/04115 Prayagraj-Dr.Ambedkar Nagar-Prayagraj Special: AC III -0 1, Modified car structure Selar- 0 2 General -0 5, AC II -0 1, AC III -0 5, sleeper -0 8.

7. 04185/04186 Gwalior-Barauni-Gwalior Special: Sleeper -0 1, Revised Train Structure – SLR- 0 2, General – 0 5, AC II – 0 1, AC III – 0 3, Sleeper – 11.

8. 02178/02177 Mathura-Howrah-Mathura Special (Weekly): Sleeper -01.

04976/04975 Agra Cantt-Howrah-Agra Cantt Special (Weekly): Sleeper -0 1.

The Indian Railways is typically known to operate about 5,000 festival special trains annually during this period. However, this year’s prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the situation. At the same time, the passenger demands remain more or less the same, the railway officials are made to operate at a much lesser operational size due to the COVID-19-related rules.

Vets of Bengaluru join protest against Maneka Gandhi over allegedly abusing a veterinarian

Diya S. — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 08:07:09 +0000

Many veterinary doctors in the city of Bengaluru have showed their support to a protest happening nationwide against BJP MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi for allegedly threatening a veterinary doctor.

The protest was triggered after an audio clip went viral on social media where Gandhi is heard asking vet NL Gupta to return the money he had taken from a client post surgery. The voice call was not confirmed independently but the doctor has accused the Sitapur MP.

The vets all over the country are accusing her of making derogatory remarks about veterinary professionals, wore black hands on their arms. Vets across the nation were called by the Indian Veterinary Association (IVA) to observe Wednesday as ‘Black Day.’ They have issued a notice to register condemnation for the “high-handed act of using abusive and filthy language against a veterinarian who performed a surgery on a dog and demanded money as compensation.”

The Chief Veterinary Officer of Dodda-ballapur Veterinary Hospital Dr. Lokesh said that eight doctors at their hospital wore black hands around their arms to show solidarity. He added, “We feel that she is misusing her power. She jumps to conclusions without listening to both sides of the story. She should give the vets a chance to explain their side too. She should understand what happened instead of misusing her power and threatening to cancel our licences.

As told to PTI, a member of the IVA and former Chief Veterinary Officer in Agra Dr. A K Doneria stated “A doctor gives his best and cannot do injustice with any patient. We condemn the incident that happened with the veterinarian doctor in Agra.”

Taj Mahal site evacuated after a hoax call about Bomb Threat

Arnav Dogra — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 07:11:30 +0000

The site of the historical monument Taj Mahal in Agra was evacuated around 10:30 AM (IST) on Thursday after the Agra Police received a phone call from an unidentified man claiming that there was a bomb installed at the site.

IGA Satish Ganesh, Agra’s Inspector-General had said, “the call came on UP 112. He said there is a bomb planted at the premises of the Taj Mahal. Immediately, we pressed our teams into action. No explosive has been found yet. We are also trying to trace the caller.”

Inspector-General Ganesh had correctly predicted that the call was a hoax as no bomb was discovered at the site and it was highly improbable a bomb could have been sneaked on to the site with the tight security measures that are in place at the Taj Mahal.

The Agra Police on its official Twitter handle released a public statement on the issue after no bomb was found by the team that had been sent on the spot.

@agrapolice .
उक्त सूचना के सम्बंध में ताजमहल परिसर व आस-पास के क्षेत्र में चैकिंग कर ली गयी है, स्थिती सामान्य पाई गयी है, पर्यटकों के लिये ताजमहल पूर्व की भांति खोल दिया गया है। इस सम्बंध में #sspagra @IpsBablooKumar द्वारा दी गयी बाईट।@Uppolice
@adgzoneagra pic.twitter.com/iZQ9kyqFLr

— POLICE COMMISSIONERATE AGRA (@agrapolice) March 4, 2021

After the call was received, the Eastern and Western gates of the monument were closed as soon as the tourists were evacuated from the site and bomb-disposal teams were brought to the scene. After less than an hour of being closed, the site was declared clear and the gates opened again at 11:15 AM.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath renames Mughal Museum after Chhatrapati Shivaji to invoke “Nationalism”

Anjana Krishna — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 06:53:44 +0000

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has renamed the under-construction Mughal museum in Agra after Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji “to invoke a feeling of nationalism and self-esteem.” During a review meeting of developmental projects being undertaken in the Agra division, he asked ‘how can Mughals be our heroes?’ and proceeded with the change in name.

“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced to name the under-construction Mughal Museum in Agra after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He made it clear that his government always nurtured the nationalist ideology and anything which smacks of subservient mentality will be done away with,” a government spokesperson said.

The museum, designed by UK based firm – David Chipperfield Architects and Studio Archohm, is coming up on an area of 2.5 hectares near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. It will be housing an exhibition space, a resource centre, and stores. Mughal-era artifacts, weaponry, armour, costumes and currency are expected to be part of the exhibits. The museum is expected to draw 8 million tourists a year.

The Chief Minister also took stock of projects worth over Rs 10 crore in Agra division, comprising Agra, Firozabad, Mainpuri and Mathura districts in the review meeting.