Hollywood strikes are history, Bollywood blockbusters are pacing evenly, and PVR INOX just had its “footfalls are back” quarter. Q1 FY26 saw revenue leap 23% YoY to ₹1,488 crore, ad revenue hit post-pandemic highs, and average spend on F&B jump to ₹148 per head. The crowd-puller? Less about one mega-hit and more about a conveyor belt of mid-to-high performers—ten films over ₹100 crore, three over ₹200 crore. Also starring: ₹99 “Blockbuster Tuesday” tickets that brought a million new/lapsed customers back to the big screen.

Why now? With OTT fatigue setting in and premium formats drawing record admissions, multiplexes are positioning themselves as multipurpose entertainment hubs before streaming platforms find their second wind.

Stick around—things get spicier two scrolls down.

AT A GLANCE• Revenue ₹1,488 cr – Up 23% YoY, blockbuster pipeline in tow• EBITDA ₹114 cr – Swung from loss last year; operating discipline paid• PAT loss ₹34 cr – Vs ₹137 cr loss last year; still a sequel to profitability• F&B SPH ₹148 – Highest ever; yes, for popcorn and Pepsi

MANAGEMENT’S KEY COMMENTARY

• “₹99 Tuesdays brought back 1 million patrons.”Translation: Time-rich, cash-poor folks finally have a favourite weekday.
• “Hollywood up 72% YoY.”Translation: Tom Cruise > subscription fatigue.
• “Asset-light/FOCO screens signed: 127.”Translation: We’re sweating the brand, not the balance sheet.
• “Net