Latest news with #PVRINOXLtd
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
A dwindling audience
Tmidst the glitz and spectacle of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), one topic weighed on the minds of most film industry stakeholders—the current crisis in the theatre business. 'I have always believed that India has too few theatres, given the size of the country and [number of] people,' actor Aamir Khan said at a session. 'Our biggest theatre hits have had footfalls of 30-35 million. That's 2 per cent of our population in what is a cinema-loving country.' Seated next to him was Ajay Bijli, founder of PVR Cinemas and managing director of country's biggest multiplex chain, PVR INOX Ltd. Bijli replied in jest, 'Main office jaata hoon [I better head to office to get work done].'
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' hits theatres, celebratory scenes play out in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, "Thug Life", Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan's 234th movie as a lead, made its debut in cinema halls across the country on Thursday and with much fanfare in his native state of Tamil Nadu, where fans queued up outside several theatres to catch the first show. The movie, which reunites the 70-year-old actor with iconic filmmaker Mani Ratnam since 1987's "Nayakan", could not be released in Karnataka after Haasan's comments about Kannada language sparked a major controversy. Gautam Dutta, CEO- Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd, said the film has been received well by the audiences, especially in Tamil Nadu. 'Tamil Nadu is showing excellent numbers with 60-65 per cent occupancy already. Other South regions are also performing strongly. We're also seeing a steady rise in the North, driven by positive word of mouth. "The film is generating strong buzz, and we expect high footfalls throughout the opening weekend. Thug Life is clearly connecting with audiences, and we're excited to see how it continues to grow," Dutta said in a statement. In Tamil Nadu, the film's shows started at 9 am. Outside Chennai's Rohini Theatre, the excitement was visible as crowds gathered for the first-day-first-show of Haasan's film. The venue was adorned with posters and cutouts of the movie and its stars, including Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, and Trisha. In the wake of a stampede in Bengaluru during IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru's celebrations on Wednesday, authorities deployed significant police presence at key cinema halls across Tamil Nadu. The beefed up security arrangement played a spoilsport to grand celebrations planned by many fans. "We were excited for the movie. We had planned to celebrate in a grand way but the government has not given us permission for it considering law and order issues. Hence we are a little disappointed," said one of the fans. Another fan said, "There is too much expectation from the movie. We have planned many things but the permission was not granted. Despite that we are excited and celebrating. The movie is definitely coming out well." Celebratory scenes also played out in Coimbatore where fans welcomed the arrival of Haasan's new movie in style. Musical instruments, including the Sendai Melam, were played to uplift the crowd's spirits. The sound of drums echoed outside Archana Theatre in the flower market area. "I have always been a great fan of Kamal Haasan. His film releases are like festivals for us. We are sure about the success of the film," said a cinephile who came to watch the movie. "Thug Life", a gangster drama, was released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. The movie was also set to premiere in Karnataka but its release in the state was cancelled after Haasan's controversial "Kannada was born out of Tamil" remark. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the movie has earned ₹6.16 crore in advance bookings on Wednesday. Over 3.5 lakh tickets were sold across 11,357 shows. But the reviews from both fans and the critics have been polarising. One fan, who watched the movie in Mumbai, found it to be "amazing". "The direction is so good and the ending is good. After watching the film, tears came to my eyes... Kamal Hassan is an amazing actor. He does good acting from the beginning. He has made such a film that I felt very good after watching it. I got to watch a good film after a long time," the fan said. For another fan, the movie turned out to be a lacklustre ride. "There is not much in the film, just a lot of fighting and enmity with each other. This kind of movie cannot run. Kamal Hassan's acting is very good. He is the hero, his acting is best. And the acting of the one along with him is also good," the fan added. "Thug Life" is jointly produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies, Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International and Ratnam's Madras Talkies.
News18
04-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Housefull 5: Akshay Kumar Film's Dual Climax Strategy A Win-Win Or A ‘Tricky' Gimmick?
Last Updated: The simultaneous release of two versions of Housefull 5 could bring forth some much-needed respite to exhibitors. But a trade expert explains why this could misfire. How to create a comic caper cum whodunit with an X factor? The makers of Housefull 5 may just have cracked the formula. If you think that it's USP is its franchise value and a star-studded ensemble cast, you may be mistaken. Because its biggest novelty is its dual climax. One look at BookMyShow and you will see that you're being offered two different options to choose from – Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B. In fact, recently, producer Sajid Nadiadwala had revealed that audiences will get to watch different versions of the film at different screens. Needless to say, most fans are thrilled and so is the exhibition industry. This could set an interesting precedent and bring forth some much-needed respite to distributors, exhibitors and cinema owners. Is it really a win-win? Gautam Dutta, CEO, Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd, tells us, 'The concept of offering different climaxes across screens is certainly unique and could spark curiosity among audiences. While it's an unconventional approach for the Indian market, it also opens up new avenues for engagement and conversation." He's quick to add that the success of a strategy like this, however, depends on 'how effectively it is communicated to audiences and how well it aligns with their viewing expectations'. And along with that, producer and film business expert Girish Johar reiterates that content is the ultimate destiny decider. 'This is the first time that such a plan has been put to practice. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to content. If people enjoy watching Housefull 5A, they would want to watch Housefull 5B too. I see it as a positive development and hope it pans out well," he remarks. According to Rahul Puri, MD, MuktaA2 Cinemas, an 'experimental' marketing strategy like this can also have consequences on the creative aspect of filmmaking as it may 'open up new possibilities for storytelling in theatres'. 'Moviegoers are eager to explore and compare the varied endings. And this is refreshing, it's exciting and it could mark a new chapter for the industry going forward," he asserts. Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, MD, Miraj Entertainment Ltd, believes that this is a great way for audiences to start prioritising the theatre-going experience once again. 'With so many entertainment options available, experiments like this feel timely and much needed. At Miraj Cinemas, we truly celebrate it when filmmakers take creative risks like this. Showing two different climaxes isn't just a unique concept, it's also a smart one. Audiences are constantly looking for something new and this gives them a reason to come back and watch the film again, just to see how the endings differ," he states. He continues, 'Both versions are getting an equal number of screens at Miraj Cinemas. Viewers can decide which version they want to see first and that element of choice adds to the overall fun. Rang De Basanti had multiple versions considered before the final cut was locked. In the case of Sholay, the original ending where Thakur kills Gabbar was changed due to censor board objections, resulting in a completely different climax being shot. But what's happening with Housefull 5 is a step further. Releasing both versions to the public shows a remarkable level of confidence from the film's team." But is this new and innovative strategy reflecting in the presale numbers? 'While it's still early to assess the full impact, the initial response to advance bookings has been encouraging. We're seeing steady interest across key metros and select tier-2 markets. We believe that the uniqueness of the format could drive strong word-of-mouth and possibly repeat viewings but a clearer picture will emerge closer to the release," says Dutta. Trade guru Atul Mohan, however, differs. According to him, there's also a catch in this innovative strategy. 'When audiences are trying to pre-book their tickets, they're getting confused looking at Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B. And that's why, I feel that the advance sales are quite low. This strategy may also be tricky as it doesn't guarantee sure-shot footfalls. People will go to watch Housefull 5B only if they enjoy Housefull 5A and are curious about the second version. However, if Housefull 5A disappoints them, they won't go in for Housefull 5B," he explains. And at a time when spoiler culture has become so rampant, it's tough to say if the makers of Housefull 5 will be able to curb climax leaks from both versions that can eventually kill the larger buzz and curiosity. 'Sometimes, audiences give out endings and climaxes. We've no option but to live with it. I'm pretty sure that the marketing and the production teams have worked out a plan in handling that scenario. They're also adding more to the confusion by name dropping Nana Patekar's name as the murderer so that the audience keeps guessing," Johar points out. First Published:
Mint
12-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
PVR Inox Q4 results: Net loss narrows to ₹125 crore, revenue falls 0.5% YoY; stock price jumps 5%
PVR Inox, the multiplex operator, on Monday reported narrowing of its consolidated net loss during the fourth quarter of FY25. PVR Inox share price jumped over 5% after the announcement of Q4 results today. PVR Inox reported a consolidated net loss of ₹ 125 crore in the quarter ended March 2025, narrowing from a loss of ₹ 129.50 crore in the corresponding quarter of last fiscal year. The company had posted a net profit of ₹ 35.9 crore in the December 2024 quarter. The company's consolidated revenue from operations in Q4FY25 fell 0.5% to ₹ 1,249.8 crore from ₹ 1,256.4 crore, year-on-year (YoY). Average ticket price (ATP) during the quarter was at ₹ 258, while F&B spend per head (SPH) was at ₹ 125. 'FY25 was a year of transformation — defined by our renewed focus on innovation and agility. We evolved from being reactive to becoming resilient and emerging as a more agile, future ready organization, laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and relevance in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape,' said Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Ltd. For full financial year 2024-2025, PVR Inox's revenue declined to ₹ 5,779.9 crore from ₹ 6,107.1 crore in FY24, while net loss increased to ₹ 279.6 crore from ₹ 32 crore, YoY. 'The box office in FY'25 was impacted by an uneven release calendar, marked by inconsistent content availability across quarters. Both Bollywood and Hollywood underperformed, contributing to a 9% decline in the company's overall gross box office revenue,' PVR Inox said in a release. Hindi box office collections dropped 26%, primarily due to a 14% reduction in film releases, the absence of major superstar-led titles, and multiple postponements. Hollywood revenues fell by 28%, reflecting the lingering effects of the previous year's strike and a lackluster tentpole slate, it added. At the operational level, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) during the March quarter increased 1.5% to ₹ 283.3 crore from ₹ 279.2 crore, while EBITDA margin improved to 22.70% from 22.20%, YoY. PVR Inox said its current screen portfolio stands at 1,743 screens across 352 cinemas in 111 cities in India and Sri Lanka. The company reduced its net debt from ₹ 1,430.4 crore as of March 31, 2023, to ₹ 952.2 crore as of March 31, 2025 — a substantial reduction of ₹ 478.2 crore over the past 24 months (post-merger). 'FY26 promises to be a high-octane period for the exhibition industry, supported by a formidable lineup of content across Hollywood, Bollywood, and Regional cinema,' PVR Inox said. At 1:25 PM, PVR Inox share price was trading 4.34% higher at ₹ 960.40 apiece on the BSE.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mohanlal's ‘L 2: Empuraan' Ranks Among Top Global Grossers
Mohanlal's new Malayalam film L2: Empuraan is creating a storm at the box office. The new film, directed by actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, is now the third highest-grossing film worldwide. With a $19.4 million opening weekend collection, the Indian film has had a good weekend box office run. Comscore's latest rankings for best-scoring films worldwide features the Indian film L2: Empuraan at the third spot, right below Disney's Snow White and A Working Man. Scoring more than a million in the US markets alone, the Malayalam film is also eleventh highest-grossing movie in the US for the weekend ending March 30. Empuraan earned more than $6 million in advance sales for the opening day, ahead of the film's theatrical release. It eventually made more than $7 million on Thursday, its first day at the ticket windows. The film saw an upward trend at the box office over the next few days. Mohanlal-Prithviraj Sukumaran's new film crossed the $10 million-mark on its second day at the ticket windows. By the end of Sunday, its four-day-long weekend at the box office, Empuraan scored an impressive $19.4 million global collection. It made $12 million in just three days - Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the global box office. After collecting more than $19 million by Sunday, the Malayalam movie crossed $20 million-mark at the global box office on Monday. In India, Empuraan had an opening of nearly $ 3 million and the scores further improved over the weekend. Just days after the film's release, L 2: Empuraan producer Antony Perumbavoor told the media that changes affecting more than two minutes of the film will be made and released in theatres soon. The re-edited version of the Malayalam film is now running in theatres. Insisting that the film's entire team decided to make the changes to ensure they did not hurt anyone, Perumbavoor added that it was not because of any threats or pressure. The film's portrayal of the right-wing politics, especially around 2002 Gujarat riots, led to controversies. Following the social media backlash, lead star Mohanlal shared an apology on his social media page. 'Certain political and social themes that have emerged in the making of Empuraan, which is the second part of Lucifer, have pained a large number of people who love me. Therefore, I and the Empuraan team sincerely regret the mental pain caused to my loved ones. With the realization that the responsibility for it lies with all of us who worked behind the film, we have decided together to compulsorily remove such parts from the movie.' Ahead of the film's release, PVR INOX Ltd CEO-Revenue & Operations Gautam Dutta said in a press release that the film sold more than 123,000 tickets in advance sales for the first day alone. It also sold around 200,000 tickets for the weekend in advance bookings. L 2: Empuraan is the third film that Prithviraj Sukumaran has directed. Sukumaran made his directorial debut with the film's first part, Lucifer in 2019. He also directed the 2020 film Bro Daddy. Written by Murali Gopy, L 2: Empuraan tells the story of Stephen Nedumpally. Mohanlal plays the role of Nedumpally while Sukumaran appears as his close aide. It is Sukumaran's childhood journey which involves the 2002 Gujarat riots and has been the center of the controversy. Made for the masses, Empuraan excels in bringing together a political cocktail mixed with emotions of revenge and high-octane action sequences. It successfully shows the chaos created by the nexus between politics and crime. The emotional stories linked with characters portrayed as cold-blooded killers trained by terrorists have left the film amid wide criticism over its intentions. RSS mouthpiece Organiser, as well as several others have called out the portrayal of various communities in the film. L 2 Empuraan faces competition from Salman Khan's Sikandar in the Hindi-regions in India. However, given the different kinds of audiences that the films cater to, there is very little chance that they would affect each other's collections.
