The trend comes as younger moviegoers assume a larger role in theatrical performance. According to Ormax Media’s TOBAR 2026 report, consumers under 30 contribute 57% of Hindi box office collections and 70% of first-day revenues. “Gen Z is driving admissions. They are back at cinemas and showing fatigue with the online world,” said PVR Inox executive director Sanjeev Bijli.
Bijli cited the performance of Curry Barker’s psychological horror film Obsession and Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons, as examples of films resonating with younger audiences.
“These are original films and storylines. They are not superhero franchises or established IPs being remade or rebooted,” he said, adding that both films had been made by young filmmakers and had connected with audiences globally.
Obsession, produced on an estimated budget of $750,000 to $1 million, has grossed over $234 million worldwide, according to box office trackers. A24’s Backrooms, produced on a budget of about $10 million, has collected more than $221 million globally. Backrooms releases in India on June 12, while Obsession released on May 29.
Gen Z theatrical footfalls are rising as younger consumers increasingly seek in-person social experiences, said Rohit Dalmia, director at CineNow, a ₹1,350 crore film-focused fund based in the British Virgin Islands. “For younger audiences, cinemas offer a shared social experience with friends and close circles,” he said. Industry executives said premiumisation, expansion into smaller towns and cities, and lower dependence on event films through a steady pipeline of sleeper hits are likely to remain key trends shaping the theatrical business.
