Date:20/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/12/20/stories/2006122002840500.htm

Back Pre-paid movie card from Sathyam

Our Bureau

Chennai, Dec. 19

Sathyam Cinemas has launched Fuel, claimed to be India's first-ever pre-paid movie card. Moviegoers can use it to pay for tickets and snacks online and inside the Sathyam multiplex. At the launch of the card, Mr Tan Ngaronga, Chief Operating Officer, Sathyam Cinemas, said the card would be a convenient option for those who did not own credit cards.

He also said they would make good gifts. A starter pack is priced Rs 300. It contains the Fuel Card with a stored value of Rs 250. It can be topped up to a maximum of Rs 1,000 each time it is recharged, and there is no processing fee. Add-on cards can be bought for Rs 50.

Sathyam Cinemas has set up a call centre and a `Window' on its premises to cater to people who want to book tickets by phone or in person. The cards are valid for a period of 12 months. Recharged credit cannot be carried over, says a press release issued at the launch. Ad agency Rubecon designed the cards while Prime E-Tech and Influx Design are responsible for the software and other technical aspects, Mr Ngaronga said.