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PVR Inox’s Sanjeev Kumar Bijli On India’s Box Office Recovery, Cinema Expansion & Cannes Acquisitions Haul
India's cinema industry is bucking the trend seen elsewhere in Asia, with theatrical revenues surpassing pre-pandemic levels despite the growth of streaming and a slower Hollywood release pipeline, according to PVR Inox executive director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli. In an interview with Deadline, Bijli credited a resurgence of strong Hindi-language hits, alongside steady regional cinema output, for keeping audiences coming back and attracting fresh investment into local film production.
India's box office reached a record $1.48 billion in 2025, boosted by hits such as Dhurandhar and the Kantara prequel, while PVR Inox, the country's largest cinema chain, posted record annual revenue of $700 million and profit of $40 million for the year to March 2026. However, Bijli acknowledged that admissions have not fully recovered, standing at 832 million in 2025 versus 1.03 billion in 2019, with revenue growth driven largely by higher ticket prices from premium formats such as Imax, 4DX and Screen X, which the company sees as a lasting shift in audience behaviour.
In short
- India's box office revenue hit a record $1.48bn in 2025.
- PVR Inox posted record annual revenue of $700m, profit of $40m.
- Cinema admissions remain below pre-pandemic levels despite revenue growth.
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The case for
India's box office achieved record revenues of $1.48 billion in 2025, with PVR Inox posting record annual revenue and profit, whilst fresh investment flows into local film production. The shift to premium formats like IMAX, 4DX and Screen X represents genuine innovation that audiences actively choose, reflecting a sustainable evolution in how cinema delivers value. With strong Hindi-language hits and regional cinema thriving, the industry demonstrates authentic growth beyond pre-pandemic levels.
The case against
Whilst revenues hit records, actual admissions fell substantially short of pre-pandemic levels—832 million in 2025 versus 1.03 billion in 2019, a 19 per cent decline. Revenue growth driven primarily by higher ticket prices and premium formats means the industry is extracting more value from fewer customers rather than expanding the cinema-going habit across India. This suggests a fragile recovery dependent on price increases to existing patrons rather than genuine audience expansion or industry health.
Explained simply
India's cinema industry has recovered to record revenue levels despite streaming competition and slower Hollywood releases that have challenged theatres elsewhere. The recovery is being driven by strong local film production, particularly popular films in Hindi and various regional languages that continue to attract audiences to cinemas.
PVR Inox, India's largest cinema chain, has been central to this expansion, investing in premium cinema experiences and technologies. The company's executive director, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, is a prominent voice on the industry's prospects and future direction.
The recovery is more nuanced than headline figures indicate. Whilst box office revenues have reached record levels, cinema attendance has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, with higher ticket prices and premium cinema formats accounting for the revenue growth rather than a straightforward return to previous attendance numbers.
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