As Maharashtra, the country’s largest movie market, has finally permitted theatres to operate, India’s largest multiplex chain is counting on a crowded slate of Bollywood films to bring its business back to pre-pandemic levels.
“All eyes are now on impending Bollywood movies, which include Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘Sooryavanshi,’ which will set the tone for the festive season.” “This Christmas, Ranveer Singh’s ’83’ will be released, followed by Shahid Kapoor’s ‘Jersey’ on December 31 and John Abraham’s ‘Satyameva Jayate 2’ on November 26.”
In addition, there is a robust line-up of Hollywood releases. During the Diwali weekend, for example, “Eternals” and superstar Rajnikanth’s action film “Annaththe” would collide. “All of this will ensure that the firm recovers quickly.”
During the Covid-19 epidemic, multiplexes, hotels, and aeroplanes were among the most impacted. The second wave of the pandemic wiped out a fledgling rebound, making 2020 a washout for multiplex operators like Inox Leisure Ltd. and PVR.
As cinema halls reopen on Oct. 22 in Maharashtra—a state where multiplex operators earn over 40% of box office revenues for Bollywood blockbusters—PVR is sure that the major releases will help it unleash its next phase of development.
“Not just for us, but also for the resurrection of the film exhibition sector in Maharashtra,” Bijli remarked. “What we’ve been told is that our customers, the majority of whom are between the ages of 12 and 39, are eager to get out after a long Covid hiatus. There’s also a recurring element of retaliation expenditure across industries.”
Only from July forward were cinemas allowed to reopen in a staggered fashion. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are among the states that have already authorised theatres to run at full capacity.
