Nimbus Communications seems to be close to the launch of their DVD rental service. The company plans to set up 125 DVD stores in 69 cities in the next few months, according to a report in Business Standard. The DVD requests are made via toll-free phone. They also plan to deliver DVD within 30 minutes from the request is made (which is done through a toll-free number). If they don’t deliver in 30 minutes, then the DVD rental is free a la Dominos Pizza.
Nimbus is investing Rs 50-70 crore in the new business, at about Rs 50 lakh a store. It’s not clear if Nimbus has an internet model too.
Nimbus’ entry into DVD rental business can unsettle the fledgling market a little bit. Currently, Seventymm.com is a significant player with presence in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi (Note: I am a member of Seventymm since they have titles in regional languages too besides English and Hindi). Madhouse and Cinesprite operate in Delhi and NCR region.