Oscars Film Festival Sees Growing Audience in India: PVR INOX’s Sanjeev Bijli

The appetite for Oscar-nominated films in India has been steadily increasing, with better theatrical access driving engagement, says Sanjeev Bijli, executive director of PVR INOX Ltd.

Ahead of the 97th Academy Awards, PVR INOX launched its annual Oscars Film Festival, bringing acclaimed films to 54 cinemas across 22 cities. Running from February 21 to March 13, the lineup includes titles like Dune: Part Two, Wicked, Inside Out 2, The Brutalist, and Emilia Perez.

“We’ve been doing this for years, and the audience response has always been strong. Access to these films has improved significantly,” Bijli told PTI. He credited PVR INOX Pictures’ distribution arm for securing award-worthy films and acknowledged other industry players for expanding India’s exposure to global cinema.

He noted that Academy Award coverage in news and social media has fueled anticipation. “By the time we do the festival, audiences are eager to watch these films. The buzz around them makes the experience more engaging,” he said.

Bijli highlighted the momentum behind Conclave, a papal mystery thriller and eight-time Oscar nominee, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Ralph Fiennes. “Conclave has built excitement over months, and we’re seeing great business. We’re optimistic about the other festival films as well,” he added.

The audience profile for international films in India has also broadened. “People across age groups now watch these films. While it’s still a niche audience, interest is growing,” he said.

This year’s Oscar-nominated slate is dominated by indie films, unlike last year’s Hollywood blockbusters Oppenheimer and Barbie. “Aside from Dune: Part Two, most are independent films, making them even more niche. But there’s a dedicated audience for them,” Bijli noted.