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Tag: Imax

  • Surat gets the big picture as Rajhans rolls out city’s first Imax screen

    Surat gets the big picture as Rajhans rolls out city’s first Imax screen

    MUMBAI: Surat’s moviegoers no longer need to pack a bag for a big-screen pilgrimage to Mumbai or Ahmedabad, the Imax revolution has finally arrived at home. Rajhans Cinemas has unveiled Gujarat’s latest cinematic crown jewel: an Imax auditorium inside Rajhans Cinemas Precia, one of India’s largest multiplexes.

    The numbers are as grand as the screen itself. Precia houses 14 screens, more than 3,000 seats, and now a 400-seat Imax hall boasting a massive curved display, ultra-crisp laser projection, and immersive Imax 3D. The upgrade is designed to pull audiences into the action with eye-popping visuals and seat-rumbling sound, a far cry from the flat fare of regular screens.

    Imax has long been the preserve of India’s metros, with installations in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. For Surat cinephiles, it often meant long trips just to catch a blockbuster in its biggest form. That’s changing fast since launch, Rajhans’ Imax shows have been sold out, fuelled by repeat visits and glowing word-of-mouth.

    Rajhans Cinemas isn’t stopping there. With 160 screens already operating nationwide, the chain has 65 more under development across 15 cities, from Noida and Gurgaon to Vizag and Hyderabad, all set to open by mid-2026.

    “This isn’t just a new screen, it’s a landmark in Surat’s cinematic journey,” says Rajhans Group chairman Jayesh Desai. “We’re not just elevating the movie experience; we’re introducing a new era of storytelling that engages all the senses.”

    For India’s fast-growing regional cities, the message is clear: the days of settling for “good enough” entertainment are over. With premium formats like IMAX moving beyond metros, the blockbuster experience is becoming a hometown affair.

  • 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)

  • Cinepolis opens first Imax location in Kochi; fifth in India

    Cinepolis opens first Imax location in Kochi; fifth in India

    MUMBAI: Kochi-ites can now enjoy the immersive experience that one can only get in an Imax theatre. Exhibitor  Cinépolis today announced the launch of the Queen of the Arabian Sea’s first Imax theatre at  Centre Square Mall. This is the ffth . This marks the fifth IMAX location for Cinépolis in India, following installations at Viviana Mall (Thane), Westend Mall (Pune), Nexus Shantiniketan (Bangalore), and Nexus Seawoods (Navi Mumbai).

    Equipped with the cutting-edge Imax with laser projection system, the new screen delivers 4K projection with unparalleled image quality and stunning visuals. With a seating capacity of 229 and a stadium-style layout, the auditorium ensures every guest enjoys an unobstructed view. Complementing the immersive visuals is Imax’s patented sound system, which delivers exceptional clarity and depth, evenly distributed to elevate every moment on screen.

    Said Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat: “Kochi is a city renowned for its love of cinema. With this launch, Cinépolis further demonstrates its commitment to technological leadership and innovation, offering audiences an elevated movie-watching experience. The addition of this premium format aligns with the evolving preferences of cinemagoers, who increasingly seek movies crafted for immersive technologies. As more filmmakers embrace these advanced formats, Imax  at Cinépolis Kochi is set to redefine how the city experiences blockbuster films.”

    Imax vice-president of theatre development Preetham Daniel added: “Audiences in the coastal city can soon experience the unparalleled clarity and immersive sound of Imax, just in time for our exceptional holiday film line-up and an exciting slate of Filmed For Imax  titles extending through 2025.”

    Centre Square Mall spokesperson Blisson Antony highlighted : “This partnership with Cinépolis elevates our positioning as the premier destination for entertainment and lifestyle in the city. We are confident that the new Imax  location will be a magnet for cinephiles, offering them an unparalleled venue to enjoy the best in global and Indian cinema.”

  • Big Cine Expo 2024 to redefine cinema exhibition at NESCO

    Big Cine Expo 2024 to redefine cinema exhibition at NESCO

    Mumbai: The seventh edition of the Big Cine Expo will take place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), India, from 30 September to 1 October 2024.

    As per the release, it is the world’s second-largest and Asia’s largest international convention and trade show for cinema exhibitors and theatrical distributors, and is expected to be even bigger and more innovative.

    The inauguration will feature industry figures like Maddock Films’ founder Dinesh Vijan, filmmaker Subhash Ghai, and PVR-INOX co-CEO Alok Tandon. A highlight of the expo will be filmmaker Atlee screening exclusive footage of his debut production ‘Baby John’ starring Varun Dhawan on day one.

    Big Cine Expo remains Asia’s largest B2B platform for the multiplex and single-screen sectors. The two-day event will provide local and international stakeholders with opportunities to connect and showcase technologies, products, and services aimed at enhancing the cinema and entertainment sectors. Key partners for Big Cine Expo 2024 include Galalite, IMAX, Qube Cinema, Christie, and Warner Bros. Discovery & Universal. Attendees can expect a packed schedule of product displays, demos, studio presentations, seminars, panel discussions, awards, special screenings, launches, exclusive B2B meetings, and networking opportunities.

    The IMAX Big Cine Awards 2024 will honor leaders and innovators in the cinema exhibition industry, recognizing achievements across various categories. These awards aim to celebrate excellence and creativity in the industry. With a focus on growth and innovation, the expo is expected to attract cinema operators, designers, distributors, studios, equipment manufacturers, project management professionals, and industry decision-makers from around the world.

    “This exceptional event, the second-largest of its kind worldwide, is a gathering of the brightest minds in cinema exhibition,” said Big Cine Expo director Raghav. “Our goal is to offer an exclusive and premier platform for exchanging innovative ideas and industry-leading solutions that will drive the future of cinema.”

    “To be in touch with technology and exhibition, which is the most important aspect for all of us who are making films: there’s so much attention to detail and a tenacious desire to push forward, and I believe the exhibition fraternity is doing just that. I feel greatly humbled to be a part of the show,” said Padma Shri film director, producer, and screenwriter Mani Ratnam.  

    “Domestic as well as international entities unite together, socialise, and share their thoughts. I am really looking forward to attend the event and witness some great work and some innovative concepts. Such initiatives are constructive for entrepreneurs in the cinema industry and ancillary businesses,” said Subhash Ghai.

    “Big Cine Expo has yet again brought the cinema exhibition industry together with its 7th edition of Big Cine Expo. This event has always provided a great platform for networking and collaboration among the key players in our industry. Big Cine Expo has been a symbol of strength and innovation. At PVR INOX, we are proud to be part of this journey and celebrate the progress we’ve made together. Congratulations to the team for organizing another excellent event and for their dedication to the growth and success of our industry,” said PVR INOX Ltd MD Ajay Bijli.

    India has long been a global leader in cinema consumption, and as the market for cinematic experiences grows, Big Cine Expo finds a fitting home in this dynamic country. Mumbai, the center of Indian cinema, has played a key role in shaping the industry, reflecting both its history and innovative approach. As a cultural and creative hub, the city provides the ideal setting for Big Cine Expo 2024, bringing together key industry figures to shape the future of cinema and entertainment in India and globally.

  • IMAX and BookMyShow announce new digital collaboration for premium entertainment seekers in India

    IMAX and BookMyShow announce new digital collaboration for premium entertainment seekers in India

    Mumbai: IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and BookMyShow has announced a new partnership designed to revolutionise the way audiences discover and engage with premium entertainment experiences online. Under the agreement, IMAX and BookMyShow will collaborate on features across the entertainment platform to enhance the user experience and ease of discovery for moviegoers seeking The IMAX Experience®.

    IMAX will have higher visibility and discoverability on BookMyShow, and the platform will highlight IMAX releases through targeted marketing efforts, beginning with the highly anticipated film Dune: Part Two. BookMyShow users can also explore a dedicated page about The IMAX Experience, including a list of current IMAX films and locations and in their cities, upcoming releases and more. This new partnership will provide audiences with seamless access to the latest Indian films and Hollywood releases, and will ensure a streamlined and hassle-free experience for moviegoers in India. This initiative is off to a strong start with IMAX tickets making up 31% of the total Dune: Part Two tickets sold on BookMyShow, demonstrating a strong demand for immersive cinematic experiences.

    “Moviegoers in India continue to show a strong preference for IMAX, with the Company delivering its best year ever at the Indian box office in 2023,” said IMAX Corporation VP, Theatre Development Preetham Daniel. “This partnership is designed to elevate the ways our fans connect with IMAX, and we look forward to exploring new innovative initiatives to ensure it’s a premium cinema experience from beginning to end.”

    Commenting on the partnership, BookMyShow head – Partnerships & Revenue Samradha Tibrewala said, “Watching movies in theatres is a cultural phenomenon deeply rooted in the hearts of millions across India, and over the past few years, we have witnessed significant growth in transactions as well as audience interest in premium cinematic experiences. We have been actively working with industry partners to create windows of opportunity for higher visibility and discoverability of their offerings on our platform, thereby creating an easy and seamless movie booking experience for various consumer cohorts part of the BookMyShow universe. Our partnership with IMAX furthers these efforts and enhances the overall moviegoing experience for our users as we continue to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience at every step of their movie watching journey.”

    Over the past few years, there has been an evolution in the tastes and preferences of the Indian audience in the out-of-home entertainment realm. According to BookMyShow’s recently released ‘The CineFiles’ consumer survey report, the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies and immersive cinematic experiences has further heightened the magic of the big screen. Advanced sound systems, state-of-the-art visual effects and larger-than-life screens continue to transport audiences into captivating worlds. This has further translated into the survey, with 74% respondents opting to watch a movie in the theatre for the immersive larger screen and high audio quality experience. 40% respondents almost always opt for premium screens, showing a significant rise in audience interest for the premium movie-watching experience.

    2023 was the highest grossing year ever for IMAX at the Indian box office and the Company delivered over $1 billion at the global box office for only the third time in its history. Local Indian content performed extremely well, with releases like Jawan and Pathaan helping topple previous box office records set in 2022. In 2024, IMAX will continue to debut more awe-inspiring Hollywood blockbusters and local releases in India, including the highly anticipated film Dune: Part Two, which released in IMAX locations across the country on 1 March. 

  • IMAX’s ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ poster has a rugged Rocky in fierce look

    IMAX’s ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ poster has a rugged Rocky in fierce look

    Mumbai: IMAX has released an exclusive poster for the most awaited sequel of Kannada period action thriller “KGF: Chapter 2.” The special edition poster features a determined Rocky, the film’s protagonist, with an even fiercer look with weapons in both hands with chaos and goons in the background. 

    The Prashanth Neel directorial will be released across IMAX screens in Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi, on 14 April.

     Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, “KGF: Chapter 2” is a fictional story based on the happenings in the blood-soaked land of Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka. 

    IMAX VP of international development and distribution Christopher Tillman said IMAX is known for offering audiences a larger-than-life experience and it is only apt for them to release an action-packed film like “KGF: Chapter 2.” “We are sure that the IMAX experience will offer audiences an opportunity to live and be a part of this captivating film. India is home to strong and diverse storytelling and talent and the release of KGF: Chapter 2 is in line with our commitment to present the most visually stunning and emotionally compelling stories in IMAX,” he added.

    Hombale Films partner and co-founder Chaluve Gowda is also delighted on releasing this action film in IMAX. He said, “We are elated and proud to announce that KGF: Chapter 2 is going to be the first Kannada film to be showcased on IMAX.”

    Speaking on their partnership with IMAX, he added, “This partnership is in line with our vision to offer entertainment with the best available technology to our fans. The response of the fans has been incredible and the excitement levels have reached fever pitch.”

    Gowda shared that Hombale films have also tried to expand their distribution network and this augurs well for them as they are confident that this movie will be a historic one. “Our pursuit for excellence has resulted in films that have been critically acclaimed while enjoying great commercial success.  Our association with IMAX is in line with our thoughts and we hope that with this association we are able to bring a world-class offering for our fans worldwide. We will continue to work closely with the team at IMAX to strengthen our partnership in the years to come,” he concluded.  

  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ leaps to box office success amid Omicron concerns

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ leaps to box office success amid Omicron concerns

    Los Angeles: No one could be surprised that ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ would be one of this year’s box office biggest heroes but it’s spinning its way to becoming the best December domestic opening with $253 million, the best ever for Sony and the third best-ever among all films beating 2015’s ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ domestic opening of $247.9 million.

    The film, released exclusively in theatres, is attracting enthusiastic moviegoers with record-breaking support in the US. This is big news for theaters whose continued existence seems under constant threat due to the sustained Covid-19 pandemic.

    American Multi-Cinema (AMC) announced Friday that roughly 1.1 million moviegoers attended the opening night of ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in the US, making it the highest-grossing opening night for a December title in AMC’s history. Cinemark called the film’s debut its “best opening night of all time.” And Regal said the film became its second-highest Thursday box office title in its history and shattered records for IMAX, 4DX, ScreenX, and RPX formats.

    Worldwide, the film, starring Tom Holland as Marvel’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, is crushing box office records — with this weekend’s global $587.2 million tally, it ranks as the third-biggest worldwide debut in history behind “Avengers: Endgame” (a historic $1.2 billion) and “Avengers: Infinity War” ($640 million). Notably, the top two films opened in China, which is currently the world’s biggest movie-going market, while ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ has yet to secure a release date there.

    In India, the movie continues to keep the Indian box office buzzing. In just three days, the film has managed to cross the Rs 100 crore mark beating other Bollywood films. The much-awaited superhero action film was released on 16 December across 3,264 screens in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions.

    “This weekend’s historic ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ results, from all over the world and in the face of many challenges, reaffirm the unmatched cultural impact that exclusive theatrical films can have when they are made and marketed with vision and resolve,” said Sony’s Motion Picture Group chairman and CEO Tom Rothman as reported in Variety. “All of us at Sony Pictures, are deeply grateful to the fabulous talent, both in front of and behind the camera, that produced such a landmark film. Thanks to their brilliant work, this Christmas everyone can enjoy the big screen gift of 2021’s mightiest Super Hero — your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”

    Credit should also be given to Marvel itself for amping up the prestige of this sequel and fueling fans’ anticipation for months. Directed by Jon Watts, the third chapter in Holland’s trilogy takes place after Peter Parker’s identity is revealed to the world, upending the lives of his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya), his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon), and his aunt May (Marisa Tomei).

    Critics have embraced ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, describing the film as a “satisfying meta-adventure.” Audiences have been equally receptive; the movie secured an “A+” CinemaScore and a 99 per cent Rotten Tomatoes average.

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ delivered a particularly strong turnout in western Europe, led by the United Kingdom. In the UK, ticket sales reached $41.4 million during its extended five-day opening to notch the fourth-biggest debut ever in that market. The film opened in France with $17.8 million, Italy with $13 million, Germany with $11.4 million, and Spain with $10.4 million. In eastern Europe, Russia led with $17.4 million, followed by Ukraine ($2.4 million) and Turkey ($1.4 million).

    Latin American countries webbed up $79.5 million in total, with Mexico’s five-day tally hitting $32.4 million, the country’s highest of all time. Argentina also recorded its best box office debut with $6.8 million, as did Ecuador with $3.7 million.

    In Asia, the movie notched the largest tally in South Korea ($23.7 million), followed by Hong Kong ($6.3 million). Other notable markets include Saudi Arabia ($5.2 million), Israel ($2.7 million), and New Zealand ($2.3 million).

  • Imax continues strong growth in india by expanding partnership with Inox leisure ltd

    Imax continues strong growth in india by expanding partnership with Inox leisure ltd

    MUMBAI: IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and INOX Leisure Limited (INOX) today announced an agreement to open two new IMAX® theatres to India, expanding their partnership to twelve open or planned theatres nationwide. IMAX and INOX first entered their fast-growing partnership in 2016. One of the new theatres will open as the first IMAX location in Lucknow and the other city is yet to be announced. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    The new agreement highlights the rapid growth of IMAX in India, one of the company’s fastest growing major markets. IMAX has nearly tripled its theatre network in India over the last three years, from 15 open or contracted theatres in 2016 to 42 today. Through the first half of 2019, IMAX theatres have generated more than $7.76 million at the box office in India, up 18% over the first half of 2018. Earlier this month IMAX announced that it would debut Saaho, T-Series and UV-Creations’ highly anticipated action film, in IMAX theatres in India and select international markets beginning August 30, 2019.

    “An IMAX theatre, with its advanced screen, sound and projection technology, offers a fantastic experience making the audience feel as if they are a part of the movie,” said Alok Tandon, Chief Executive Officer of INOX Leisure Ltd. “It’s stunning architecture adds to the joy of watching a movie inside an IMAX theatre. We are excited to take The IMAX Experience® to more and more customers in newer markets with the signing of this deal. We are committed to make the right moves in the technology space to offer the best to our patrons and this deal strengthens our commitment.”

    “India has one of the most longstanding and vibrant cinema cultures in the world, and we will continue to bring the biggest blockbusters and events to its passionate audiences,” said Giovanni Dolci, IMAX’s Interim Head of Global Sales. “We are grateful to INOX for our growing partnership and the opportunity to make The IMAX Experience available across key markets throughout the country.”

    With the country’s slate of local language and Hollywood blockbusters, the India market continues to demonstrate strong demand for The IMAX Experience®.  IMAX theatres are now currently in operation in multiple cities across the country including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Gurugram and Noida, with more markets still to come. This year’s Avengers: Endgame smashed opening weekend box office for IMAX and stands as the company’s top grossing release of all time in India.

  • PVR & IMAX forge 5 year theatre deal in India

    PVR & IMAX forge 5 year theatre deal in India

    MUMBAI: At a business briefing to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his first official trip to India, IMAX Corporation and PVR Cinemas announced an agreement for five new IMAX theatres.

    The new screens will be located in major metropolitan markets in a combination of new and existing flagship sites. The agreement brings PVR Cinemas’ total IMAX commitment to 15 theatres and strengthens the exhibitor’s position as IMAX’s largest partner in India.

    PVR managing director and chairman Ajay Bijli mentions, “Our agreement is a direct result of the success of our IMAX box office, which, since 2016, has increased by 50 per cent as the demand for IMAX among moviegoers continues to build. We are delighted to strengthen our longstanding, successful partnership with IMAX, which we view as a competitive advantage to help solidify our leading position in India’s exhibition market.”

    IMAX CEO Richard L Gelfond says, “India is the fourth-largest market by box office and one we view as a long-term growth opportunity. We also continue to re-master more and more Indian movies, and had record-breaking success with Padmaavat earlier this year. We believe these factors, combined with expanding our partnership with India’s top exhibitor PVR, will help set the stage for continued expansion in this important emerging market.”

    In January, IMAX released Viacom18 Motion Pictures’ film Padmaavat, which marked the fourth local-language IMAX Indian film release and the first to be presented in the IMAX 3D format. Padmaavat is now the company’s highest-grossing local Indian release and third highest-grossing IMAX film overall in the country. It expects to announce more Indian IMAX movies for this year.

    PVR operates a cinema circuit of 625 screens at 134 properties in 51 cities with seven IMAX screens in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Noida.

    The agreement brings IMAX’s total theatre footprint in India to 31 with 14 currently open and 17 contracted to open.