Mumbai: UFO Cinema Solutions, the cinema technology and solutions arm of UFO Moviez, has unveiled MAGNOVA, its premium large-format cinema offering built around direct-view LED technology powered by HEYLED by TIMEWAYING. The company has commissioned the first MAGNOVA auditorium at Magic Framez, Kakkanad, Kochi, featuring what it describes as India’s first acoustic-transparent Direct View 4K HDR LED cinema screen.
Unlike conventional cinema projection systems, where images are projected onto a screen, MAGNOVA uses a direct-view LED display in which the screen itself generates the image. The technology is designed to deliver higher brightness, deeper blacks, enhanced contrast and consistent image quality without the light spill traditionally associated with projection systems.
The Kochi installation features a 14-metre-wide by 6-metre-high, DCI-approved Direct View 4K HDR LED screen with a 3.91 mm pixel pitch, designed specifically for theatrical presentation.
A key feature of MAGNOVA is its acoustic-transparent LED architecture, which enables cinema speakers to be positioned directly behind the screen. This allows dialogue, music and sound effects to remain spatially aligned with the visuals, addressing a key challenge associated with conventional cinema LED installations.
The Kochi auditorium combines the LED display with Dolby Atmos® UFO immersive audio and Pulz Cinema Speakers to create an integrated premium audiovisual environment.
### MAGNOVA: Technology at a Glance
* 14-metre-wide × 6-metre-high Scope-format screen
* 3.91 mm pixel pitch
* DCI-approved Direct View LED technology
* 4K HDR visual capability
* Acoustic-transparent LED architecture
* Cinema speakers positioned behind the screen
* Dolby Atmos® UFO immersive audio
* Pulz Cinema Speakers
* Premium large-format theatrical experience
India has approximately 10,000 cinema screens, while only around 50 currently operate as premium large-format screens, according to the company. This limited penetration presents an opportunity for theatre owners to differentiate their properties as audiences increasingly seek cinematic experiences that offer an advantage over home entertainment.
For visually ambitious films such as Odyssey, Avatar, Avengers, Spider-Man and the upcoming Ramayana, screen scale, contrast, colour reproduction and immersive sound are critical to delivering the filmmaker’s intended experience. MAGNOVA has been developed to make such imagery appear larger, brighter, sharper and more lifelike while maintaining a close relationship between picture and sound.
“Cinema exhibition has evolved from film to digital projection, and it is now entering an era of premium large formats powered by internationally acclaimed technology brands. Through MAGNOVA, we are bringing together 2 offerings, CINITY for premium large-format cinema projection systems and HEYLED for direct-view LED cinema screens, giving Indian exhibitors access to the next generation of theatrical presentation,” said Pradeep Shetty, Business Head, UFO Cinema Solutions, UFO Cine Media Network.
“This is not simply a screen replacement. It is an opportunity to rethink the premium auditorium as an integrated environment—bringing together display technology, immersive sound and cinema infrastructure to create a future-ready asset for exhibitors and a compelling experience for audiences.”
Following its Kochi unveiling, MAGNOVA will make its official industry debut at Big Cine Expo on 18 August 2026, where UFO Cinema Solutions is the Innovation Partner.
The launch will feature veteran South Indian actress Rohini Molleti, along with theatre owners, exhibitors, cinema professionals and other industry dignitaries. The event will give India’s cinema exhibition community an opportunity to experience the technology and assess the potential of direct-view LED, acoustic-transparent screen architecture and immersive audio in premium auditoriums.
The Kochi installation and Big Cine Expo launch mark the beginning of UFO Cinema Solutions’ plans to introduce MAGNOVA across additional Indian markets. The company is inviting theatre owners and exhibitors across the country to explore partnerships as it seeks to expand access to technology-led premium cinema experiences.
