Synopsis
PVR INOX witnessed a significant rebound in Bollywood viewership in Q1 FY26, with box office collections surging 38% YoY, fueled by hits like Raid 2 and Housefull 5. Hollywood also contributed strongly, growing 72% YoY. Initiatives like ‘Blockbuster Tuesdays’ boosted footfall, while alternate programming gained traction.
AgenciesPVR INOX reported a robust rebound in Bollywood viewership in the first quarter of FY26, with five Hindi films crossing the Rs 100 crore mark and contributing to a 38% year-on-year surge in the company’s domestic box office collections.
“Bollywood box office collections of PVR INOX surged 38% YoY, fueled by successful releases like Raid 2, Sitaare Zameen Par, Kesari Chapter 2, Housefull 5, and Jaat. Each of these five films crossed the ₹100 crore mark, with three of them surpassing the ₹200 crore mark — underscoring a more balanced and consistent performance,” PVR INOX said on Wednesday.
The company also saw strong performance from Hollywood titles, where it holds a substantial market share.
Hollywood box office revenue grew 72% YoY, driven by major global franchises such as Mission Impossible, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Ballerina, and the event film F1. Premium formats like IMAX and 4DX contributed significantly to this momentum, with a 20% YoY growth in admissions.
Regional cinema remained steady in Q1, with notable contributions from Tamil title Good Bad Ugly, Malayalam release Thudarum, and surprise hits like Tourist Family (Tamil), helping maintain a diversified content pipeline across languages, PVR INOX said.
Footfall initiatives drive engagement
In line with its ‘Manufacturing Footfalls’ strategy, the company launched ‘Blockbuster Tuesdays’ in April, offering tickets starting at just ₹99. The initiative brought nearly 1 million new and lapsed transactors back to cinemas, significantly boosting weekday footfall.
PVR INOX also ramped up alternate programming — including re-releases, live screenings of IPL matches, concerts, and stand-up comedy shows — which collectively drew over 5 lakh admissions during the quarter.
These efforts reflect the growing appeal of non-traditional content and strengthen the company’s positioning of cinemas as multipurpose entertainment venues.
However, the quarter also faced headwinds from external disruptions. The company estimated a loss of nearly 6–7 lakh admissions due to factors such as ‘Operation Sindoor’, protests surrounding the release of the Punjabi film Akaal, and the indefinite suspension of the anticipated Sardaarji 3.
“FY’26 has begun on a positive note, with Q1 delivering healthy growth across key operating and financial metrics. The momentum has been supported by a well-performing and steady content slate, giving us confidence in the year ahead. With a robust pipeline of films across Hindi, Hollywood, and Regional cinema, we expect FY’26 to be a strong year for the exhibition business. Our focus remains on delighting audiences through innovative initiatives, sustaining cost discipline, and continuing to build long-term value for all our stakeholders,” said Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Ltd.