PVR INOX, India’s leading cinema exhibitor, is poised for a financial turnaround, banking on a robust slate of movie releases and a shift in consumer behavior away from over-the-top (OTT) platforms, according to Managing Director Ajay Bijli. In an interview with PTI, Bijli expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory following a strong first quarter in the 2025-26 fiscal year, which saw a 12% year-on-year increase in footfall, with 3.4 crore visitors flocking to its cinemas.

Despite a slow start in April, the company has witnessed a significant rebound, driven by compelling cinematic content. “Indian consumers will always consider watching movies on the big screen as their top entertainment choice,” Bijli stated, emphasizing that theatrical experiences will coexist with other content consumption formats. The first quarter’s financial performance reflects this resurgence, with PVR INOX narrowing its consolidated loss after tax to Rs 54.5 crore, down from Rs 179 crore in the same period last year. Consolidated revenue from operations also rose to Rs 1,469.1 crore, up from Rs 1,190.7 crore in the prior year.

Bijli highlighted a promising lineup of films as a key driver for future growth. July 2025 saw strong performances from titles such as Saiyaara, Superman, Jurassic Park: Rebirth, F1 Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Mahavtar Narsimha. Looking ahead, the Independence Day weekend of August 15 is expected to draw significant crowds with major releases, including Rajinikanth’s Coolie and the highly anticipated War 2, a sequel in a successful franchise. “The lineup gives us confidence, and the fatigue factor from OTT is encouraging more people to return to cinemas,” Bijli noted, citing improved occupancy trends.

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While refraining from providing specific timelines for profitability, Bijli underscored the company’s focus on delivering an exceptional experience to moviegoers and relying on filmmakers to produce audience-resonant content. With a strong content pipeline and shifting consumer preferences, PVR INOX is well-positioned to capitalize on the enduring appeal of the big screen, aiming to restore profitability in the near future.

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