It isn’t called an ‘immersive’ experience for no reason. IMAX -- acronym for Image-Maximum -- is the sort of cinema viewing where the audience is so completely involved in what is being played onscreen that they feel they are a part of it. That is because of the unusually large projection and an all-enveloping, extra-powerful surround sound that accompanies it. While the world has seen this cinematic ‘phenomenon’ for many years now, it was only recently that Pakistan woke up to the idea of having its first IMAX theatre, trailing far behind the neighbouring India even.

Enter the recently opened Cine Star IMAX in Township, Lahore, which may be a bit of a prodigy for most locals what with its screen which is almost double the size of a conventional multiplex projection -- and strategically curved to match the human eye’s field of vision, and its steep seating arrangement (based on the international model) which serves not to physically distance those in the rear too far away from the screen.

Purpose-built as a multiple-floor facility that also houses a grand food court, a spacious walk-in lobby where you meet some of Pakistani and international film icons staring down from the creatively done wall posters. With a hefty budget (not disclosed), the 470-seat IMAX is Cine Star owner Faraz Chaudhry’s one ambitious plan come to fruition. For lovers of cinema, especially those who care for the best in sound and image resolution, coupled with a wholesome snack, this is precisely what the doctor ordered.

No wonder the ticket price at an IMAX anywhere in the world is much higher, compared to what you pay at a regular theatre. Presently, the Cine Star management has fixed it at Rs1000 for both 2D and 3D movies (minus the 3D glasses, of course).

For the uninitiated, an IMAX theatre can only play those movies that are shot specifically on the IMAX film format -- 70mm -- or even those that are shot on 35mm or digital and then converted to the IMAX format. Likewise, the 3D glasses that the audience are provided are also IMAX-specific. These glasses are far more expensive (compared to what you get at a regular 3D cinema) and must be returned on your exit from the theatre hall.

Lahore has long heard a faint buzz about an IMAX theatre being built at the Doongi Ground site on MM Alam Road. That the project never took off is no news. Whereas the administration of Cine Star is right now looking at the response of the audience, it has already moved on to launching another two IMAX theatres, one each in Karachi and Islamabad.

Whether or not the hugely expensive project proves to be a success, setting up an IMAX is certainly a sign of progress and the way forward for the growing cinema industry of Pakistan.