PVR INOX Profit Soars 167% as Indian Box Office Hits Record High in 2025

Introduction

PVR INOX, India's largest multiplex chain, announced a significant surge in profitability for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, posting a net profit of Rs 95.7 crore. This marks a 166.5% increase from the Rs 35.9 crore profit reported in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. The strong performance comes on the back of a landmark year for the Indian film industry, which saw its highest-ever box office collections in calendar year 2025.

Stellar Quarterly Financials

For the quarter ending in December 2025, PVR INOX reported a total income of Rs 1,919.6 crore, a notable rise from Rs 1,759.1 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. The robust growth in both revenue and profit underscores a strong recovery in audience footfall and consumer spending, driven by a consistent slate of high-performing films.

A Record-Breaking Year for Indian Cinema

The backdrop for PVR INOX's success was the exceptional performance of the Indian theatrical industry in 2025. The total box office collections for the calendar year reached an unprecedented Rs 13,395 crore, representing a 32% increase over pre-pandemic levels and a 13% year-on-year growth. The year also set a new record with 37 different movies crossing the Rs 100 crore box office milestone, highlighting the depth and resilience of the Indian film market.

Hindi Cinema Leads the Charge

Original Hindi language films were a primary driver of this growth. The Hindi Box Office had its strongest year ever, with collections exceeding Rs 5,500 crore, an 18% increase year-on-year. This performance was bolstered by a diverse mix of genres and a steady stream of releases. The success was led by several large-scale productions, including the blockbuster 'Dhurandhar', which became the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time with a cumulative box office collection of Rs 1,000 crore.

| Indian Box Office Performance (CY 2025) | | :--- | :--- | | Total Box Office Collections | Rs 13,395 crore | | Year-on-Year Growth | 13% | | Growth vs. Pre-Pandemic | 32% | | Movies Crossing Rs 100 Crore | 37 | | Hindi Cinema Contribution | Rs 5,500 crore | | Hollywood Contribution | Rs 1,403 crore | | Regional Cinema Contribution | Rs 6,488 crore |

Hollywood and Regional Films Shine

Hollywood content also staged a powerful recovery in the Indian market, recording a 49% year-on-year growth. With box office collections of Rs 1,403 crore, 2025 became Hollywood's second-best year ever in India, trailing only 2019. This was supported by a more consistent and appealing slate of international films.

Regional cinema continued its impressive trajectory, with its collective box office growing by 4% year-on-year to an all-time high of Rs 6,488 crore. Gujarati cinema saw a remarkable 188% growth, largely due to the success of 'Laalo: Krishna Sada Sahaayate'. Similarly, Kannada cinema grew by 74%, powered by major releases like 'Kantara: Chapter 1' and 'Su from So'. Malayalam cinema also maintained its momentum, crossing the Rs 1,000 crore mark for the second consecutive year.

Company Strategy and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, PVR INOX is focused on sustainable growth. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director of PVR INOX, commented on the company's direction. 'With a strong content slate ahead, a capital-light expansion strategy, and a significantly strengthened balance sheet, we believe PVR INOX is entering its next phase of sustainable growth,' he stated. The company's strategy includes delighting consumers through innovation to drive footfalls and create long-term shareholder value. Recent activities, such as the opening of a new 9-screen multiplex in Hyderabad in January 2026, align with this expansion plan.

Financial Health and Corporate Actions

The company has also been actively managing its portfolio and balance sheet. In a recent corporate action, PVR INOX approved the sale of its 93.27% stake in ZMPL to Marico for Rs 227 crore, a move that can further strengthen its financial position. This focus on strategic divestments and a capital-light model for expansion is expected to improve financial flexibility and support future growth initiatives without accumulating significant debt.

| PVR INOX Q3 FY26 vs Q3 FY25 (Consolidated) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Metric | Q3 FY26 | Q3 FY25 | | Total Income | Rs 1,919.6 crore | Rs 1,759.1 crore | | Net Profit | Rs 95.7 crore | Rs 35.9 crore | | Profit Growth (YoY) | 166.5% | - |

Conclusion

PVR INOX's impressive 166.5% profit growth in Q3 FY26 is a direct result of the resurgence in the Indian film industry. The record-breaking box office collections in 2025, driven by strong performances across Hindi, Hollywood, and regional cinema, created a fertile ground for the multiplex giant's success. With a clear strategy focused on prudent expansion, consumer experience, and a strong balance sheet, PVR INOX is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued positive momentum in the Indian entertainment sector.