PVR Cinemas
Indian multiplex cinema exhibition brand that pioneered modern multiplexing in the country.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
PVR Cinemas was an Indian multiplex cinema brand whose development helped transform the country's movie-exhibition market from a predominantly single-screen model into a large-format, multi-screen leisure business. The brand originated from Priya Cinema in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, a cinema hall acquired by the family of entrepreneur Ajay Bijli in 1978. Bijli assumed responsibility for the theatre in 1988 and oversaw its refurbishment in 1990. In 1995, Priya Exhibitors Private Limited entered into a 60:40 joint venture with Australia's Village Roadshow. The resulting company was named Priya Village Roadshow, shortened to PVR, and began commercial operations in June 1997. Its first modern multiplex was established at Saket in New Delhi, an early landmark in India's multiplex expansion. The format combined multiple screens with upgraded projection, seating, food and beverage, retail, and mall-based entertainment, allowing cinema operators to offer more choice and higher-value experiences than traditional single-screen halls. Village Roadshow withdrew from the partnership in 2003, after which ICICI Ventures invested 40 crore rupees in PVR. The company subsequently expanded its property network and became a publicly traded cinema operator, listing shares on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange in 2006. PVR also broadened its offer beyond standard screenings. Its Gold Screen premium format was introduced in 2007, while PVR Pictures, a film-production and distribution arm, was established the same year. Early PVR Pictures projects included Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The company pursued acquisitions and technology partnerships as the Indian exhibition sector consolidated. In 2012, its subsidiary Cine Hospitality acquired Cinemax India, adding properties in several major Indian cities. PVR also partnered with IMAX and opened its first IMAX theatre in Bengaluru in 2012. It introduced a superplex format in Noida in 2014 and became the second Indian cinema chain to launch 4DX in 2016, following Cinépolis. In 2016, PVR acquired DLF's DT Cinemas business, and in 2018 it acquired Chennai-based SPI Cinemas. These transactions strengthened its presence in regional markets and brought established local theatre brands into the PVR network. PVR continued developing premium and immersive formats, including ICE, introduced in the Delhi National Capital Region in 2022. It also experimented with branded promotions, sports screenings, digital ticketing, food and beverage offerings, and partnerships covering projection technology and large entertainment releases. On 27 March 2022, PVR and INOX Leisure announced a merger. The transaction received approval from the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal on 12 January 2023 and was completed in February 2023. The combined company was renamed PVR INOX Limited. Consequently, PVR Cinemas ceased to operate as a standalone corporate entity, although many pre-merger venues continued to use the PVR brand. Newly opened post-merger properties generally adopted the PVR INOX name, making PVR Cinemas a continuing consumer-facing legacy brand within the merged exhibition business rather than an independent company.
History
PVR Cinemas developed from Priya Cinema, a theatre in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, that was acquired by Ajay Bijli's family in 1978. Bijli took over the cinema operation in 1988 and refurbished the venue in 1990. The business entered a new phase in 1995 when Priya Exhibitors Private Limited formed a joint venture with Australia's Village Roadshow. The venture, named Priya Village Roadshow and later abbreviated to PVR, began commercial operations in June 1997. PVR's first modern multiplex at Saket, New Delhi, became an important early example of the multiplex model in India. Instead of relying on one large auditorium, the format offered several screens, more frequent showtimes, improved seating, modern projection, concessions, and a wider range of films. This model aligned cinema exhibition with the growth of shopping malls and organized urban leisure. Village Roadshow exited the partnership in 2003, and ICICI Ventures invested 40 crore rupees in PVR. The company listed its shares on India's National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange in 2006. It also expanded its business model through premium auditoriums and film activity. Gold Screen was introduced in 2007, and PVR Pictures was established as a production and distribution business. Its early film credits included Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Expansion accelerated through acquisitions and format partnerships. PVR acquired CineMAX through Cine Hospitality in 2012, adding a substantial network of screens and properties. It also partnered with IMAX and opened its first IMAX theatre in Bengaluru. The company launched a superplex in Noida in 2014 and introduced 4DX in 2016. In the same year it acquired DT Cinemas from the DLF group. PVR acquired Chennai-based SPI Cinemas in 2018, further broadening its regional footprint. INOX later acquired Luxe Cinemas in 2022 before becoming part of the PVR–INOX combination. PVR developed further immersive and premium concepts, including ICE in the Delhi NCR region in 2022. It also used entertainment partnerships to connect cinema exhibition with major film releases, sports events, digital promotions, and technology upgrades. A notable campaign around RRR temporarily changed the PVR name to PVRRR and included a promotional NFT collection. The decisive corporate change came in 2022, when PVR and INOX announced their intention to merge. Regulatory approval was granted by the Mumbai National Company Law Tribunal in January 2023, and the combination was completed the following month. The merged company became PVR INOX Limited. Existing venues continued in many cases under PVR or INOX signage, but PVR Cinemas no longer existed as an independent corporate operator. Its brand, formats, properties, and operating history became part of the PVR INOX exhibition network.
- 2023
PVR INOX created
[1]The merger was approved and completed, creating PVR INOX Limited and ending PVR Cinemas' existence as a standalone company.
- 2022
PVR and INOX announce merger
[1]The two multiplex operators announced a merger, while PVR also introduced its ICE immersive format.
- 2018
SPI Cinemas acquired
[1]PVR acquired the Chennai-based SPI Cinemas chain and subsequently rebranded its properties.
- 2016
DT Cinemas acquired and 4DX introduced
[1]PVR acquired DT Cinemas and launched 4DX, becoming the second Indian cinema chain to offer the format.
- 2014
Superplex format launched
[1]PVR introduced a superplex concept in Noida.
- 2012
CineMAX acquisition and first IMAX partnership
[1]PVR acquired CineMAX properties and opened its first IMAX theatre in Bengaluru.
- 2007
Gold Screen and PVR Pictures introduced
[1]PVR launched its Gold Screen premium format and entered film production and distribution through PVR Pictures.
- 2006
PVR lists on Indian stock exchanges
[1]PVR shares were listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange.
- 2003
Village Roadshow exits and ICICI Ventures invests
[1]Village Roadshow withdrew from the partnership, while ICICI Ventures invested 40 crore rupees in PVR.
- 1997
Commercial operations begin
[1]PVR began commercial operations in June and established a modern multiplex at Saket, New Delhi.
Products and positioning
A modern, premium-oriented multiplex and entertainment brand built around multi-screen choice, upgraded amenities, premium formats, mall-based leisure, and a broad selection of Indian and international films.
Cinema exhibition · 1997
PVR Multiplex Cinemas
The core PVR offering consisted of multi-screen cinemas located primarily in urban centres, shopping malls, and mixed-use entertainment destinations. Customers received multiple daily showtimes, varied screen sizes, reserved seating, digital ticketing, concession services, and access to Indian and international films.
Premium cinema · 2007
Gold Screen
Gold Screen was PVR's premium auditorium format, designed to provide a more upscale alternative to standard multiplex seating. The concept emphasized enhanced comfort and a higher-end cinema environment for customers willing to pay for a differentiated viewing experience.
Large-format cinema · 2012
IMAX
PVR partnered with IMAX to introduce large-format screenings in India, opening its first IMAX theatre in Bengaluru in 2012. The format used a larger presentation environment and specialized audiovisual systems to position selected releases as premium event cinema.
Immersive cinema · 2016
4DX
PVR introduced 4DX in 2016, offering motion-enabled seating and environmental effects intended to synchronize the auditorium experience with on-screen action. Its launch extended PVR's strategy of using specialized formats to increase premium attendance and differentiate the chain.
Immersive cinema · 2022
ICE
ICE was an immersive theatre format introduced by PVR in the Delhi NCR region in 2022. It formed part of the company's effort to offer experiential presentation formats beyond conventional projection and seating.
Film production and distribution · 2007
PVR Pictures
PVR Pictures was the company's film-production and distribution arm. It expanded PVR beyond cinema exhibition and was associated with early projects including Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Following the merger, the business was rebranded as PVR INOX Pictures.
Controversies
2021
Hyderabad consumer commission penalizes BookMyShow and PVR Cinemas
The Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found BookMyShow and PVR Cinemas at fault over additional internet charges and ordered them to pay Rs 5,000 to the Consumer Legal Aid Account, Rs 25,000 in compensation to the plaintiff, and Rs 1,000 in litigation costs.
Marketing campaigns
- 2021PVRRR
India
PVR partnered with the film RRR and temporarily changed its branding to PVRRR across properties in more than 70 Indian cities around the film's release. The activity also included an exclusive NFT collection connected with the promotion.
Outcome. Temporary co-branding campaign tied to the film's theatrical release.
Brand decisions
2022
Announce merger with INOX LeisureM&ABackground
The Indian multiplex sector was consolidating, and PVR and INOX sought to combine their cinema networks and operating capabilities.
Action taken
PVR and INOX announced a merger, which was later approved by the National Company Law Tribunal.
Aftermath
The transaction was completed in 2023 and created PVR INOX Limited, ending PVR Cinemas' independent corporate status.
2018
Acquire SPI CinemasM&ABackground
PVR sought to strengthen its presence in southern India by acquiring a well-known Chennai-based exhibition business.
Action taken
PVR acquired SPI Cinemas and later rebranded its properties as PVR venues.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded PVR's regional footprint and added established cinema locations.
Reported acquisition value. 850 crore rupees (2018)
2016
Acquire DT CinemasM&ABackground
PVR used acquisition to expand its multiplex estate and market coverage.
Action taken
PVR acquired DLF-owned DT Cinemas.
Aftermath
The properties were subsequently rebranded under PVR.
Reported acquisition value. 500 crore rupees (2016)
2012
Acquire CineMAXM&ABackground
PVR pursued scale and geographic expansion in a consolidating Indian cinema market.
Action taken
Cine Hospitality, a PVR subsidiary, acquired CineMAX India and its cinema properties.
Aftermath
The acquired properties were progressively renamed and integrated into the PVR network.
1995
Form a joint venture with Village RoadshowStrategyBackground
Priya Exhibitors sought to develop a modern multiplex business in partnership with an experienced international cinema operator.
Action taken
The parties established a 60:40 joint venture named Priya Village Roadshow, later known as PVR.
Aftermath
The venture created the corporate foundation for PVR's multiplex expansion in India.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Hyderabad consumer commission penalizes BookMyShow and PVR Cinemas[3]
Reported:
The Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found BookMyShow and PVR Cinemas at fault over additional internet charges and ordered them to pay Rs 5,000 to the Consumer Legal Aid Account, Rs 25,000 in compensation to the plaintiff, and Rs 1,000 in litigation costs.
PVR announces #OuchTheCouch campaign[4]
Reported:
PVR Cinemas announced a digital campaign inviting cinema enthusiasts to submit images or video clips about missing the theatre experience. The entries are planned to be compiled into a film for screening at PVR when cinemas reopen and to appear on its social media pages.
Sources4 sources
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