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Tag: 4DX

  • Blockbusters and billions boost PVR Inox in Q1 of FY’26

    Blockbusters and billions boost PVR Inox in Q1 of FY’26

    MUMBAI: Seats taken, debts shaken PVR INOX sets the tone for a blockbuster FY’26. If the opening quarter of FY’26 is any clue, PVR Inox isn’t just selling popcorn, it’s popping the lid off cinema’s revival story. The multiplex major has posted a stellar Q1 performance for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, powered by Bollywood box office blitzes, Hollywood hits, and a strategic play on alternative programming and screen expansion.

    Cinema seats saw healthy occupation as a total of 10 films crossed the Rs 100 crore mark, with three of them zooming past Rs 200 crore, setting the tone for a more balanced and consistent theatrical performance.

    Bollywood brought in blockbuster numbers for PVR Inox, with collections jumping 38 per cent year-on-year. The charge was led by crowd-pullers like Raid 2, Sitaare Zameen Par, Kesari Chapter 2, Housefull 5, and Jaat all five entered the Rs 100 crore club, and three soared past the Rs 200 crore milestone.

    Hollywood wasn’t far behind, registering a whopping 72% YoY growth for the exhibitor. Mega franchises like Mission Impossible, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Ballerina, and the box office juggernaut F1 drove this spike especially on premium formats like IMAX and 4DX, where admissions rose 20 per cent YoY.

    Regional cinema remained a steady performer, with titles like Tamil’s Good Bad Ugly, Malayalam’s Thudarum, and Tourist Family holding the fort.

    Launched in April, the Blockbuster Tuesdays initiative offering tickets at just Rs 99 proved to be more than a gimmick. It brought in nearly 1 million new and lapsed transactors, giving weekdays a much-needed footfall bump.

    Meanwhile, the exhibitor’s push into alternate programming including IPL match screenings, concerts, comedy shows, and film re-releases contributed over 5 lakh admissions this quarter, reinforcing cinemas as multipurpose destinations.

    That said, the quarter wasn’t without hiccups. PVR Inox estimated a loss of 6–7 lakh admissions due to external disruptions like Operation Sindoor, protests around Punjabi film Akaal, and the suspension of Sardaarji 3.

    Sticking to its asset-light strategy, PVR INOX added 20 new screens this quarter, 14 of which were under FOCO and Asset-Light models. With 55 more screens signed under FOCO and 72 under Asset-Light, expansion continues with minimal capital drag.

    Financially, net debt stood at Rs 8,915 million as of 30 June 2025, a Rs 607 million reduction from March 2025 and a sharp Rs 5,389 million (38 per cent) decline since the merger, signalling strong deleveraging.

    The multiplex chain is optimistic about the coming months, with July already clocking the highest monthly admissions in the past 18 months. Hits like Saiyaara, Superman, Mahavtar Narsimha, and Metro In Dino have already found their footing, while much-anticipated releases like War 2, Border 2, Love & War, and Hollywood heavyweights like Avatar: Fire and Ash and The Conjuring: Last Rites promise more gold at the box office.

    Regional biggies such as Coolie, Toxic, Akhanda 2, and Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 will further bolster the slate.

    With a footprint of 1,745 screens across 353 cinemas in 111 cities across India and Sri Lanka, and a focus on lean growth, PVR Inox is eyeing a full house not just in theatres, but on the balance sheet too.

    As PVR Inox managing director Ajay Bijli summed it up, “The momentum has been supported by a well-performing and steady content slate, giving us confidence in the year ahead.”

    And if Q1 is anything to go by, FY’26 might just be the comeback reel Indian cinema’s been waiting for.

     

  • Global media & entertainment industry trends in 2024: A ChatGpt perspective

    Global media & entertainment industry trends in 2024: A ChatGpt perspective

    MUMBAI: We asked ChatGPT to list the the major trends that shaped the media and entertainment industry globally. The points below popped up. It makes for an interesting read though it’s not totally accurate nor is it comprehensive. Our take will follow before the year end.  

    The global media and entertainment industry has experienced significant evolution throughout 2024, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and emerging trends. Here’s a summary of the major trends that shaped the industry:

    1. Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Content Creation
    * Generative AI Tools: AI technologies like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Runway became central to content creation, enabling faster production of scripts, visuals, and music.
    * Personalised Content Recommendations: AI-powered algorithms enhanced streaming platforms’ ability to tailor content recommendations, improving user engagement.
    * AI-Generated Personalization: Tools creating localised or individualised media experiences surged, particularly in advertising and video games.

    2. Streaming Services Recalibrating Strategies
    * Ad-Supported Tiers: Subscription fatigue led many streaming platforms, including Netflix and Disney+, to push ad-supported, lower-cost tiers.
    * Content Consolidation: A focus on reducing content sprawl resulted in platforms combining offerings or trimming underperforming shows and films.
    * Global Expansion: Streaming services increasingly tapped into regional markets by producing localized content for Asia, Africa, and South America.

    3. Emergence of Immersive Media Experiences
    * Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR): Devices like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro drove interest in immersive storytelling, gaming, and live events.
    * Metaverse Content Development: Brands and creators experimented with interactive environments and events in virtual worlds.
    * Interactive Formats: Gamified content, branching narratives, and user-driven storylines gained traction.

    4. Short-Form and Snackable Content Dominance
    * TikTok and Beyond: The dominance of platforms like TikTok encouraged media companies to produce short, engaging clips.
    * Vertical Video Popularity: Content tailored for mobile-first consumption flourished, influencing even traditional media formats.
    * Attention Economy: Media companies innovated with concise storytelling to capture fragmented viewer attention.

    5. Return of Theatrical and Live Entertainment
    * Cinema Revival: Theaters saw a resurgence, boosted by blockbuster releases, event-driven screenings, and premium cinema formats like Imax and 4DX.
    * Hybrid Releases: While theatrical releases thrived, hybrid distribution (simultaneous streaming and cinema) became a viable model for mid-budget films.
    * Concert and Event Growth: Live music tours, particularly from major artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, dominated revenue charts and demonstrated the demand for in-person experiences.

    6. Sustainability and Ethical Media Production
    * Green Media Practices: Film and television productions adopted eco-friendly measures, reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable workflows.
    * Diversity and Inclusion: Representation across media improved, but challenges remained in truly diversifying behind-the-scenes talent pools.
    * Social Impact Storytelling: Audiences increasingly gravitated toward narratives addressing climate change, mental health, and social justice issues.

    7. Monetisation through Digital Collectibles and NFTs
    * NFT Decline and Evolution: While hype cooled, NFTs remained relevant for ticketing, fan engagement, and collectible merchandise in gaming and music.
    * Web3 Integration: Blockchain technologies supported decentralized content ownership, giving creators more control and audiences new ways to engage.

    8. Gaming Industry’s Ascendancy
    * Cloud Gaming Growth: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now expanded, making high-quality gaming more accessible.
    * Cross-Platform Integration: Games became more interoperable across devices and operating systems.
    * Esports Globalisation: The esports industry grew, tapping into emerging markets and younger demographics with global tournaments and localized leagues.

    9. News and Media Trust Challenges
    * Combatting Misinformation: AI-driven content verification tools and regulatory frameworks addressed fake news proliferation.
    * Subscription Models: News outlets leaned further into subscription-based models amid declines in advertising revenue.
    * Hyper-Local Journalism: A renaissance in local reporting emerged to meet demand for community-specific news.

    10. Increased Regulatory Scrutiny
    * Content Moderation: Governments globally demanded stricter regulation of harmful online content.
    * Antitrust Actions: Media conglomerates faced challenges around mergers and acquisitions amid antitrust concerns.
    * Data Privacy Laws: Compliance with emerging privacy laws reshaped advertising and data-gathering practices.

    These trends reflect a dynamic year for the media and entertainment industry, setting the stage for further innovation and evolution in 2025

    (Even the image has been generated using Microsoft Image Generator; no copyright is intended)

  • Cinépolis launches technologically advanced theatre in Thane, Mumbai

    Cinépolis launches technologically advanced theatre in Thane, Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Cinépolis, the world’s fourth largest and India’s first international exhibitor launched the second biggest megaplex in India with 14 screens at Viviana Mall, Thane, Mumbai on 20 November.

     

    With this multiplex, Cinépolis will be operating 110 screens across India, making it the fastest brand to cross the 100-screen landmark organically.

     
    The megaplex is one of the most technologically-advanced cinemas with six concepts under one roof viz. Cinépolis VIP, IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Atmos, RealD 3D and 4K projection system. With this theatre, Cinépolis is introducing 4DX to India which provides a fully immersive movie experience with a real simulation of effects like motion seats, water, wind, fog, lightening and scents that enhance what one views on the screen.

     

    The other revolutionary concepts that the theatre encompasses include the Cinépolis VIP that reinvents entertainment with full leather recliners, in-theatre restaurant apart from the existing service on-seat. It is also the first Cinépolis property to have a fully-equipped IMAX screen. In addition, another auditorium in the complex is equipped with Dolby Atmos, which employs up to 64 speakers to heighten the realism of every scene. Patrons can also enjoy freshly-prepared gourmet food at the in-house coffee shop, Coffee Tree, in the lobby of Cinépolis.

     
    Additionally, the state of the art 3-D technology from Real-D systems is the world’s most widely deployed 3-D technology and offers viewers the most enthralling 3-D movie watching experience and has an exclusive tie-up with Cinépolis in India.

     

    Movie goers can also enjoy benefits of Club Cinépolis, the company’s loyalty programme at the theatre in Viviana Mall.

     

    Cinépolis India MD Javier Sotomayor said, “Cinépolis is committed to offering the best cinema experience to movie goers in India. With this goal in mind, we have introduced unparalleled concepts in the country such as IMAX, 4DX, exclusive Real-D 3D, Dolby Atmos sound to name a few. Thanks to these features, the Cinépolis brand has quickly marked its niche in the country and has been able to garner widespread loyalty.”

     

    “Cinépolis pioneered the concept of luxury cinemas and the largest operator of luxury cinemas worldwide. We are glad to bring the same to India. This is our second Cinepolis VIP property in India, which will provide a superior movie viewing experience to the discerning audience.

     

    Megaplexes such as these enable us to bring all these different concepts under one roof. We can also provide flexibility to our patrons to watch their favourite shows at their preffered timings. We thank Mr. Sunil Shroff and his team for the opportunity to be able to gift to the people of Thane this great megaplex at Viviana Mall, Thane. On the back of this success, we aim to reach the 400-screen landmark by 2017,” he added.

     
     
    Speaking about the growth plans, Cinépolis India director-expansion Ashish Shukla said, “Thought leadership, product leadership and megaplexes is Cinépolis’s commitment to India. The Viviana Megaplex, Mumbai’s largest, is a must visit for all Thanekars and Mumbaikars.

     

    With this 110th screen launching within five years of our operations, Cinépolis continues to be the fastest organically growing company in India, on an average two screens per month. We will continue to bring the best which the world has to offer to India first. 4DX as an experiential cinema will change the way movie goers watch movies in India. We look forward to building Megaplexes like the Viviana Mall across the country in partnerships with leading developers. Visit soon, and enjoy the amazing experience.”

     
    Cinépolis India business head–strategy Devang Sampat shared, “At Cinépolis, our constant endeavour is to deliver unmatched levels of customer service. With the introduction of 4DX in India, we have set a new, unprecedented benchmark in the realm of movie watching experience in the country.

     

    Patrons can also enjoy gourmet food offerings at Coffee Tree and benefit from the Cinépolis club membership, where movie goers can register for free and start accumulating reward points for every purchase made at the Cinépolis Box Office. These points can be later redeemed for free tickets. Club Cinépolis members have the lifetime opportunity to meet and greet their favourite bollywood and Hollywood stars.

     

    We would focus on programming as wide variety of content as “possible to suit the demands from all the different segments. We intend to showcase niche content which haven’t been able to come to the silver screen earlier. ”

    Viviana Mall head Sunil Shroff said, “It gives us immense pleasure to announce the opening of Cinepolis at Viviana. In a short span of a year, Viviana has reset benchmarks with its vibrant retail offerings and unique consumer experientials.  With the launch of Cinepolis, we have sealed our position among the country’s premium destinations for entertainment, shopping, dining and other recreational activities.”   

    Apart from Thane, Cinépolis currently operates at Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Patna, Surat, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Bhopal, Hubli, Hyderabad, Thane, Mangalore and Vijaywada. Starting in 2009, Cinépolis has become one of the fastest in India to reach the landmark of over 100 screens with a total of 21,500 seats.

     

  • S. Korean company creates 4DX for interactive viewing experience

    S. Korean company creates 4DX for interactive viewing experience

    MUMBAI: A South Korean company has created an interactive viewing experience called 4DX that simulates a film‘s environment in films like Cameron‘s, Titanic as well as recent release The Hunger Games.
    Unlike D-Box Technologies‘ motion-simulation seats, 4DX features chairs that pitch and roll according to the motion of the action within the film. It also includes features like “short bursts of sharp air” and “face water” to put the viewer in the middle of the on-screen environment.
    James Cameron‘s Titanic, that was re-released in 3D this week, invited critics to trot out familiar arguments about the pointlessness of the technology except as a means to increase ticket prices and squeeze a few extra dollars out of devoted fans.
    Not unlike D-Box Technologies‘ motion-simulation seats, 4DX features chairs that pitch and roll according to the motion of the action within the film. But it also includes such features as “short bursts of sharp air” and “face water” to put the viewer in the middle of the on screen environment.
    Presumably the volume of these atmospheric flourishes is modulated – or else Titanic fans may find themselves struggling to see the film during the ship‘s climactic descent into the ocean.
    CJ 4DPlex Co. launched 4DX in 2009, and is using the technology to enhance the viewing experience of The Hunger Games, John Carter and The Avengers in addition to Titanic.

    The company hopes to reach more than 800 auditoriums by 2016.