August 6, 2025

PVR INOX has reported a substantial rebound in its Bollywood viewership for the first quarter of FY26, revealing that domestic box office collections surged by 38% year-on-year. This impressive growth was primarily driven by successful Hindi film releases, including 'Raid 2', 'Sitaare Zameen Par', 'Kesari Chapter 2', 'Housefull 5', and 'Jaat'. Each of these films crossed the ₹100 crore threshold, with three of them surpassing ₹200 crores, showcasing a balanced and consistent performance in the Indian film industry. In addition to Bollywood's success, PVR INOX also benefitted from a notable performance in Hollywood, with box office revenue expanding by 72% year-on-year. The theatrical release of major global franchises such as 'Mission Impossible', 'Final Destination: Bloodlines', 'Ballerina', and the high-profile event film centering around Formula 1 contributed significantly to this growth. Moreover, premium viewing formats like IMAX and 4DX saw a commendable 20% increase in admissions, an indication that consumers are willing to invest in enhanced movie-going experiences. Regional cinema also played a vital role in the company's diverse content pipeline, with standout performances from Tamil films like 'Good Bad Ugly' and Malayalam releases such as 'Thudarum'. In a notable twist, surprise hits like 'Tourist Family' (Tamil) contributed to the steady performance of regional films during the quarter. To attract more audiences, PVR INOX implemented various initiatives under what it calls its ‘Manufacturing Footfalls’ strategy. One of the standout promotions, 'Blockbuster Tuesdays', launched in April, offered tickets for as low as ₹99. This initiative successfully attracted nearly 1 million new and returning movie-goers, significantly boosting weekday attendance in cinemas. The company has also enhanced its alternative programming efforts, which included re-releases of popular films, live screenings of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, concerts, and stand-up comedy shows. Collectively, these strategies drew over 5 lakh admissions—suggesting a growing appeal for non-traditional cinema experiences. This diversification reinforces PVR INOX's commitment to positioning its theaters as multi-purpose entertainment venues. Despite these positive trends, the quarter was not without challenges. PVR INOX faced external disruptions, estimating a loss of about 6–7 lakh admissions due to various factors, including the controversial 'Operation Sindoor', protests around the release of the Punjabi film 'Akaal', and the unexpected indefinite suspension of the highly anticipated film 'Sardaarji 3'. These disruptions served to underline the dynamic and sometimes volatile nature of the film exhibition business. Looking ahead, Ajay Bijli, Managing Director of PVR INOX Limited, expressed optimism following the strong performance in Q1. He noted that FY’26 has commenced on a positive note, with significant progress across key operational and financial metrics. The robust and steady slate of films has instilled confidence in the company's outlook for the year ahead. He highlighted a strong pipeline of films from Hindi, Hollywood, and regional cinema and conveyed a commitment to delivering delightful experiences for audiences through continued innovative initiatives, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and building long-term value for stakeholders. Overall, the first quarter of FY26 for PVR INOX reflects a period of resurgence and growth within the cinema industry, driven by a combination of compelling film content and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing audience engagement.

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Tags: Pvr inox, Bollywood, Box office, Hollywood, Cinema, Revenue growth,