Strong audience turnout and diverse film slate lift revenue, cut debt to post-merger low
PVR Inox reported its highest quarterly profit in two years as audiences returned to theatres, boosting revenue and helping the country’s largest multiplex operator reduce debt to its lowest level since its merger. The company posted a profit after tax of Rs 1,265 crore for the quarter ended 30 September, compared with Rs 224 crore a year earlier, excluding accounting adjustments.
Revenue rose 12 per cent year-on-year to Rs 18,432 crore, while EBITDA climbed to Rs 3,273 crore.
Footfalls increased 15 per cent from a year earlier to 44.5 million, supported by a steady slate of Hindi, Hollywood and regional releases. Average ticket prices rose 2 per cent to Rs 262, while food and beverage spending per head stood at Rs 134. Advertising revenue grew 15 per cent to Rs 1,256 crore, the highest since the pandemic.
“The first half of FY26 has been one of the strongest for Indian cinema in recent years, powered by a diverse slate across Hindi, Hollywood and regional films… with a robust content pipeline and continued focus on capital-light growth and deleveraging, we are well positioned to build on this momentum.” said Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR Inox.
The exhibitor said debt declined 57 per cent from post-merger levels to Rs 6,188 crore, aided by stronger cash flows and lower capital expenditure. It added 22 screens and exited eight during the quarter, taking its total to 1,761 across 111 cities.
Bollywood contributed several high-grossing titles, including Saiyaara and Mahavatar Narsimha, while regional markets such as Kannada and Malayalam cinema delivered record revenues. Hollywood franchises, including Jurassic World and Superman, also drew large audiences, with industry box office collections crossing Rs 500 crore during the quarter.
The company said it had passed on the full benefit of the government’s recent GST reduction on low-priced tickets to customers, making weekday promotions such as Blockbuster Tuesdays cheaper.
PVR Inox expects the second half of FY26 to remain strong, driven by a heavy release line-up featuring Hindi films such as Tere Ishq Mein and Love & War, along with Hollywood releases Avatar: Fire & Ash and Wicked: For Good.
