Also Read: PVR Inox Q2 Results: Co posts Rs 12 crore loss vs Rs 166 crore profit YoY, revenue drops 19%
Stree 2, Kalki box office collections a big boon
Despite the financial loss, the Indian box office saw some gains, driven primarily by Hindi-language films and re-releases of popular titles. PVR Inox reported a 40% jump in box office collections in Q2 FY25 compared to Q1, reflecting a significant uptick in audience turnout. A major contributor to this success was the record-breaking performance of Stree 2, which became the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. Additionally, Kalki, which was released at the end of Q1, continued to perform well across Hindi and Telugu markets, further boosting revenue.
Hindi-language films alone saw a remarkable 91% growth in collections quarter-on-quarter, with audiences flocking to theatres. On the international front, the much-anticipated Deadpool and Wolverine became the highest-grossing R-rated movie globally, bringing in $1.3 billion in worldwide revenue. Regional hits like Tamil’s G.O.A.T. and Telugu’s Devara also contributed to the quarter’s strong box office performance.
Re-releases add nostalgia to the mix
PVR Inox’s decision to re-release classics like Tumbbad, Laila Majnu, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, and Veer Zaara during quieter periods proved highly successful. Re-releases accounted for about 6% of the quarter’s admissions, underlining that strong content—whether new or nostalgic—remains a major draw for moviegoers.The company also saw a massive turnout on National Cinema Day, held on September 20. Over 1 million guests visited PVR Inox theatres, marking one of the busiest days of the year. This event, held in collaboration with 11 multiplex chains across India, showcased the love Indians have for the big screen experience.
Singham & Pushpa to the rescue now?
The upcoming quarter looks promising for PVR Inox, with a slew of highly anticipated releases set to hit screens. Recent releases include Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video and Jigra, while Diwali promises blockbuster films like Singham Again, starring Ajay Devgan and Kareena Kapoor, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 with Kartik Aryan.
December will see Varun Dhawan and Jackie Shroff in Baby John, but the most anticipated release is Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2, scheduled for a multi-language release in the first week of December. Regional films such as Kanguva and Game Changer, as well as Hollywood’s Venom: The Last Dance and Gladiator 2, will ensure a diverse offering for cinema lovers.
In terms of operations, PVR Inox added 71 new screens in FY25 while closing 42 underperforming ones, resulting in a net addition of 29 screens. The company now operates 1,747 screens across 356 cinemas in 111 cities in India and Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, PVR Inox remains committed to its strategy of generating free cash flow, improving returns, and reducing debt. The company reduced its net debt by ₹1,409 million in the first half of FY25, despite the challenges posed by a relatively soft first quarter.
Commenting on the results, Ajay Bijli, Managing Director of PVR Inox Ltd., stated that the performance in the quarter underscored the enduring appeal of cinema and the influence of compelling content. He noted that the company’s strategy of blending fresh blockbusters with nostalgic re-releases had resonated well with audiences, further solidifying their position as a leader in the multiplex industry.
