PVR Inox, India's largest multiplex chain, reports the country's theatrical market has achieved unprecedented momentum. Chief Executive Sanjeev Kumar Bijli told Deadline that India's box office reached $1.48 billion in 2025, shattering previous records despite headwinds facing cinemas globally.
The recovery stands out sharply across Asia. While streaming platforms drain audiences elsewhere and Hollywood's production pipeline slowed, India's theatrical sector has not only recovered from the pandemic but exceeded pre-COVID revenues. This reversal reflects the region's deep cultural attachment to cinema-going and the strength of Hindi film production.
Bijli's comments signal PVR Inox's expansion ambitions. The chain plans to grow its footprint across Indian markets while leveraging acquisitions from international festivals like Cannes. These moves position the company to capitalize on sustained domestic demand and diversify its content offerings beyond Bollywood tentpoles.
The distinction matters for the global exhibition industry. As North American and European chains struggle with inventory shortages and audience erosion, India demonstrates that theatrical experiences retain potent appeal in emerging markets. The success correlates directly with robust local filmmaking, suggesting that regions with strong indigenous production retain competitive advantages over those dependent on Hollywood content.
PVR Inox's aggressive acquisition strategy at Cannes indicates a deliberate shift toward curating premium, international content for Indian audiences. This approach mirrors strategies employed by other regional chains seeking differentiation through specialized programming rather than relying solely on mainstream releases.
The $1.48 billion figure positions India among the world's strongest theatrical markets, ranking behind only the United States and China. For PVR Inox, this creates runway for expansion in an industry largely written off as moribund elsewhere. The company's continued investment in cinema expansion, rather than pivot to alternative revenue streams, reflects genuine confidence in theatrical's durability within India's media ecosystem.