PVR Inox has expanded its presence in India’s Tier II markets by opening a new three-screen premium multiplex at Mall 11 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The launch, announced on July 30, 2026, marks the company’s second cinema in the city and reinforces its strategic focus on emerging urban centers. The facility opens with a screening of Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day, aiming to capture early audience interest with a major global release. This move strengthens PVR Inox’s footprint in Central India, where it now operates 42 cinemas with 204 screens.

The new multiplex is developed in partnership with Satya Prakash Group and spans approximately 19,430 sq. ft. Strategically located in the Madan Mahal area, a prominent commercial hub, the cinema is part of a mixed-use destination featuring retail and dining options. The design draws inspiration from Art Deco aesthetics, combining classic elegance with contemporary elements such as sculptural ceilings and ambient lighting. The auditoriums are equipped with 2K projection, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, and Next Generation 3D technology to deliver a premium viewing experience.

With this addition, PVR Inox now operates 10 cinemas with 55 screens across Madhya Pradesh. Nationwide, including operations in Sri Lanka, the company manages the largest multiplex network in the region, comprising 1,782 screens across 355 properties in 113 cities. The expansion reflects the company’s broader strategy to invest in high-potential emerging cities where consumer demand for premium entertainment infrastructure is rising.

Executive Commentary

Ajay Bijli, Managing Director of PVR Inox Limited, stated that India’s next phase of cinema growth will be driven by emerging cities like Jabalpur, characterized by rising aspirations and improving infrastructure. He noted that opening with a major global release such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day highlights the company’s commitment to bringing world-class cinema experiences closer to audiences in growth markets.

Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director of PVR Inox Limited, emphasized the role of cinemas as social destinations for creating lasting memories. He highlighted that the Jabalpur cinema was designed to reflect the character of the city while offering distinctive hospitality and comfort, aiming to build long-term community engagement through premium entertainment offerings.

What the Numbers Show

The expansion into Jabalpur underscores a strategic shift toward Tier II cities, which are becoming critical drivers of volume growth for exhibitors. By securing a partnership with Satya Prakash Group for a significant 19,430 sq. ft. space, PVR Inox demonstrates confidence in the commercial viability of premium formats in non-metro locations. The concentration of 204 screens in Central India suggests a regional clustering strategy to optimize operational efficiency and marketing spend in high-growth corridors.

PVR INOX has outlined a series of operational and financial expectations, covering advertising revenue trends, screen expansion targets, and cost management initiatives. The company anticipates robust advertising earnings in Q3 and Q4, underpinned by a strong slate of major film releases, while online convenience fee growth is expected to remain steady, albeit at a slower pace due to already high adoption levels.

Advertising Revenue and Convenience Fees

PVR INOX expects advertising earnings to be elevated in Q3 and Q4, with major film releases serving as the primary catalyst for increased footfall and brand visibility opportunities. The company also projects continued growth in online convenience fees, though the pace of expansion is expected to moderate given the high levels of existing usage among its customer base.

Screen Expansion Plans for FY27

The company has set an ambitious screen addition target for FY27, with plans to open between 90 and 100 new screens during the fiscal year. The following table summarises the key parameters of PVR INOX's expansion guidance:

Management has flagged that screen openings in Q2 and Q3 may face delays owing to licensing-related challenges, which could affect the timing of net additions within the fiscal year.

Cost Structure and In-Cinema Experience

On the cost front, PVR INOX estimates film hire costs in the range of 45% to 45.5%. The company also expects a reduction in food and beverage (F&B) cost of goods sold (COGS), attributable to ongoing cost control efforts. The key cost and strategic metrics are outlined below:

Beyond cost management, PVR INOX aims to enhance the overall in-cinema experience for its patrons. The company's strategic priorities include:

• Expanding food and beverage offerings within its cinema properties
• Exploring additional entertainment options to diversify the in-cinema proposition
• Driving operational efficiencies through targeted cost control measures

Strategic Outlook

PVR INOX's guidance reflects a multi-pronged approach encompassing revenue growth through advertising and convenience fees, disciplined cost management on film hire and F&B, and a structured expansion of its screen network in FY27. The combination of a strong content pipeline and operational focus positions the company's near-term strategy around both top-line and efficiency-driven objectives.