PVR INOX Reports Higher June Quarter Admissions, Plans 100 New Screens by FY26 End.

PVR INOX, India's leading multiplex chain, is set to significantly expand its footprint by adding approximately 100 new screens in the current fiscal year (FY26), backed by an investment of around ₹175-200 crore. A substantial 40% of these new screens will be located in Southern India, a pivotal market for the company.

The company is sharpening its focus on an asset-light strategy and the franchise-owned company-operated (FOCO) model for this expansion. This strategic approach aims to optimize investment while broadening market reach.

PVR INOX reported strong growth in admissions year-on-year during the June quarter, a performance largely attributed to a robust content pipeline.

Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX, elaborated on the expansion plans to BusinessLine, stating, "We plan to add 100 screens in FY26. Out of which we have opened 20 screens so far, so 80 additional screens are set to be opened." He further explained the financial strategy, "Nearly 50% of these screens will be under the asset-light strategy and the franchise-owned company-operated model. With costs of ₹3.5 crore per screen, total investments required to set up 100 screens comes to about ₹350 crore. But because we are following the FOCO and asset light strategy, our contribution will be to the tune of ₹175 -200 crore."

PVR INOX intends to maintain this aggressive expansion, aiming to add 100-120 screens every fiscal year. Bijli highlighted the benefits of the FOCO model, noting, "The FOCO model has opened new markets for us and grown our brand in tier-2 and -3 markets." This strategy is proving instrumental in extending the multiplex experience to a wider audience across the country.