India has been considered the world’s cinema powerhouse for ages. Multiplex movie theatre chains are doing great across the subcontinent because its film industry creates more movies yearly than any other country. Movies are not a source of entertainment for Indians; they are part of their culture, emotions, and daily conversations. It would be a fresh Bollywood film, a critical regional film, or an enthralling Hollywood show. Yet, movie viewing in cinemas remains one of the most sacrosanct leisure activities in the country.
The multiplex chains changed the scenario of cinema-going in India altogether, offering viewers an experience they might not have grown up or heard of through older single-screen cinema halls. These multiplexes brought advanced sound systems, plush seating, visually immersive environments, and diverse viewing options in urban and semi-urban regions.
They cater to an audience that seeks more than just the screening of the film. They promise an experience, often full of gourmet dining, personalized services, and premium lounges. With evolving technology and changing expectations from a customer, multiplexes have turned movie-watching into grand events.
| S. No. | Top 10 Multiplex Movie Theater Chains in India |
| 1. | PVR Cinemas |
| 2. | INOX Leisure Ltd |
| 3. | Cinepolis India |
| 4. | Carnival Cinemas |
| 5. | Miraj Cinemas |
| 6. | Wave Cinemas |
| 7. | SRS Cinemas |
| 8. | SPI Cinemas |
| 9. | Mukta A2 Cinemas |
| 10. | Asian Cinemas |
1. PVR Cinemas- Movie Theater Chains in India
Source: Zee Business
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Priya Village Roadshow Cinemas |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Gurgaon, Haryana, India |
| Number of Screens | Over 900 Screens | 75 Screens |
| Market Position | India’s largest multiplex chain and one of the most iconic in the cinemic industry. |
PVR Cinemas is known as Priya Village Roadshow. It is India’s largest multiplex cinema chain. It currently has about 900 screens across 75 sites till 2024.
Specialty:
• Innovation in Entertainment: PVR brought the first concept of multiplexes to India to revolutionize watching a movie.
• Luxury Offers: PVR Gold Class and PVR Luxe are full of luxurious reclining seats with great food and personal service.
• IMAX and 4DX: Their tie-up with IMAX and 4DX keeps the movie-goer experience unique.
Important Features:
• Loyalty program: Every single exclusive benefit and reward under PVR Privilege
• Global cuisine, home-made snacks, and other on-demand services
• Individualized screening of corporate events and private parties.
INOX became the biggest cinema chain in India, with impressive geographical reach and product differentiation due to the merger with PVR in 2023. PVR Chanakya of Delhi and other brand cinemas of its league are considered classy and technologically superior cinema house experiences.
2. INOX Leisure Ltd.
Source: Mint
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | INOX Leisure Ltd. |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Number of Screens | Over 700 | 70 Cities |
| Merger Highlight | Combined with PVR Cinemas in 2023. At present, India’s largest multiplex chain. |
This multiplex chain was established in 1999. Currently, this chain’s head office is in Mumbai, with more than 700 screens in nearly 70 towns in India.
Specialty:
• Customer-Centric Approach: INOX provides a warm experience with cutting-edge projection and audio.
• Design and Ambiance: Every INOX center offers new-age designs offering comfort and aesthetics.
• Variety of Experiences: The chain offers different cinema formats, from INOX Insignia for luxury to IMAX and Dolby Atmos audio systems.
Important Features:
• INSIGNIA offers dine-in service with meals specially designed by master chefs.
• The “Chef’s Table” concept brings culinary sophistication to gourmands.
• Sporadic events such as live sports event screenings and movie premieres
PVR has integrated INOX into its fold. Merging the operational knowledge, they have made customer experience in their cinema premium with an icon like INOX Nehru Place in Delhi.
3. Cinepolis India- Movie Theater Chains in India
Source: Google Images
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Cinepolis India |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India (Parent company headquartered in Mexico) |
| Number of Screens | Over 400 | 70 Cities |
A multiplex chain initially based in Mexico, it became known as India’s first international multiplex chain. So far, it has captured over 400 screens in 70 cities within the short span of its inception in 2009.
Specialty:
• Luxury and Technology: Viewing has become luxurious with the luxury brand Cinepolis VIP and RealD 3D technology.
• Global Experience: the operating practices it follows in global markets have created excellent service standards for Indian markets.
• Emphasis on Smaller City: Amongst the few chains operating in India is Cinepolis, targeting tier-2 and tier-3 cities
Important Attributes:
• The loyalty program of club Cinepolis. Tickets are free, and food and beverages are offered in its services.
• Gold lounge with the best leather recliner and in-villa food.
• All premium 4DX cinemas
Cinepolis launched live events in India, starting with opera to international sports in India for niches.
4. Carnival Cinemas -Movie Theater Chains in India
Source: Google Images
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Carnival Cinemas |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Number of Screens | Over 400 | 100 Cities |
| Major Markets | Kochi, Nagpur, and other underserved regions |
Founded in 2012, with over 100 cities and over 400 screens, it has placed it as the largest multiplex chain in the country.
Specialty:
• Accessibility: Carnival has promised to take cinema to the not-so-well-serviced areas, which are tier-3 and tier-4 towns. Carnival has democratized movie-going by expanding to regions with minimal entertainment infrastructure.
• Affordable Luxury: Carnival does not compromise quality by providing competitive ticket prices. Comfortable seating, advanced projection technologies, and well-maintained facilities make it a favourite among budget-conscious audiences.
• Regional Cinema: It promotes regional films extensively and is an all-inclusive chain catering to different flavours of culture by encouraging local film industries.
• Event Space: Most of the properties in Carnival also act as venues for conferences, weddings, and other social events, depicting the multi-faceted nature of their properties.
Important Features:
• Films are promoted highly for regional and festival-oriented releases.
• Snack options range beyond the obvious and may even include region-specific items that might flavor the movie-watching experience.
• Digital Ticketing: More digital ticketing platforms with easy, hassle-free, and seamless customer experience.
The HDIL Broadway acquisition of Carnival, Big Cinemas of Anil Ambani, and Glitz Cinemas brought hundreds of screens to its fold. Kochi, Nagpur, and Ranchi have come alive with excellent quality cinema due to Carnival Cinemas.
Carnival is now actively working on future properties that would add innovations, such as AR and VR features. Being a strategy that expands into locations in rural and semi-urban areas, it will emerge as a chain for the masses, reaching out to the maximum audience to experience a film.
5. Miraj Cinemas- Movie Theater Chains in India
Source: Miraj Group
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Miraj Cinemas |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Number of Screens | Over 150 | 50 Cities |
| Major Market | Primarily Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with a focus on underpenetrated regions |
Having existed since 2012 with over 150 screens across 50+ cities in Indian multiplexes, it has become a leading brand under the same.
Specialty:
•Focus on Penetrated markets: Miraj focuses on cinemas reaching out to underpenetrated small towns.
• Customer Engagement: The marketing events regularly hold the meet-and-greet with the stars and goodies giveaway program so that customer engagement will be very active.
• Value for Money: Miraj has given much importance to the affordable audio-visuals along with the town’s best rate of seats.
Important Features:
Loyalty programs are coupled with special discounts.
• Showing international films at regular intervals in small towns.
• •Live events and concerts are only for the young.
Future Prospects: Miraj will have 50+ screens in the market by 2025 in Assam and Odisha markets.
6. Wave Cinemas- Movie Theater Chains in India
Source: Google Images
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Wave Digital Cinemas Private Limited |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
| Number of Screens | Operates in multiple Cities, primarily across northern states |
| Key Locations | Noida Sector-18, Moradabad, Ludhiana |
Wave is Noida’s multiplex cinemas, offering contemporary technology and liberal sitting space for viewing on all its screens in Northern India.
Specialty:
•Regional Play: Wave caters to the regional patron by offering the regional along with a mix of Bollywood and Hollywood films.
•Family-Friendly Offers: Offers for group booking, family coupons, and rewards.
•Latest Infrastructure: High-tech digital projectors, self-ticketing kiosks, and easy online tickets, so everything should be a smooth sail.
Important Features:
•Personal lounge for customers of select properties
•Mid-week matinee at discounted rates available for seniors.
• Cultural festivals and independent films.
The best location for Wave Cinemas is Noida Sector 18, which has an excellent Dolby Atmos sound system and fantastic facilities.
7. SRS Cinemas- Movie Theater Chains in India
Source: Google Images
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | SRS Cinemas |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | Faridabad, Haryana, India |
| Number of Screens | Approximately 60 |
| Key Locations | Operates across cities in Northern India, including Gurgaon, Ludhiana, and Lucknow |
About: The cinema chain belongs to the house of SRS Group. Around 60 screens spread over north Indian cities such as Gurgaon, Ludhiana, and Lucknow.
Specialty:
• Multi-Dimensional Experience: Placed within the mall, the entire family likes to experience all at once on the same package.
• Local Content: Themed shows and local and regional release shows.
• Budget Services: SRS provides budget entertainment that does not compromise on the picture or sound.
Other Features:
• Combo deals of tickets and snacks.
• In-hand activities, like free morning movies on holidays for kids.
8. SPI Cinemas (Now Part of PVR)
Source: Google Images
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | SPI Cinemas |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Ownership | Acquired by PVR in 2018, but retains its individual identity |
One of the favourite multiplex chains in Chennai, which offers the best services and superior technologies, is SPI Cinemas.
Specialty:
• Excellent Service: SPI has one of the most significant online ticket booking and food courts.
Important Feature:
• Icon Outlets: Sathyam Cinemas is a cultural icon in Chennai due to its eclectic programming and vibrant atmosphere.
• Technology: Dolby Atmos and 4K projection, etc., sealed SPI a technologist at all times
• Real happening food and beverages menu with Pop Corn.
• Periodical Cultural Film Festival.
This particular cinema still bears individual branding despite their tie-up with PVR in the State of Tamil Nadu.
9. Mukta A2 Cinemas
Source: Google Images
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Mukta A2 Cinemas |
| Founded | 2011 (Founded by Subhash Ghai) |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Number of Screens | Over 50 screens across India |
| Market Position | Spreads across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including Jaipur, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad |
Mukta A2 Cinemas is the division of the film production house headed by the directorial brain, Subhash Ghai, from Mukta Arts. It has more than 20 multiplexes throughout the country. Here, one can catch all the lines as well as regional releases.
Specialty:
• School and College Programmes – Even movies feature partnerships with school and college sections to illustrate.
• Money Value-Economic cinema with good seating and projection.
Important Features:
• Mass booking deals at the cinema house level.
• Regional and alternative cinema deals.
10. Asian Cinemas
Source: Google Images
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Asian Cinemas |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Number of Screens | Over 100 screens |
| Market Position | Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and other major South Indian cities |
Asian Cinemas is almost a South Indian chain with over 100 screens, mainly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Specialty:
• Cultural Relevance: Allied with regional production houses to promote the local movies.
• Star Endorsement: Stars such as Mahesh Babu’s extravagant, state-of-the-art viewing rooms under Asian Cinemas
Facilities:
• State-of-the-art Dolby Atmos sound
• High-class restaurants that serve regional as well as international cuisine
Conclusion
It is the saga of multiplex cinemas in India and represents the reality that audiences never outdid their passion to love film or movies. In a nutshell, these are chains in which the film industry has transformed its game over several decades from personally screened theatres to the modern stage turned towards multi-screen ones.
PVR Cinemas and INOX mainly cover premium experience-oriented chains. The remainder bring affordable luxury to smaller towns in the form of Carnival and Miraj. Thus, it bridges the otherwise humongous gap between larger metropolitan audiences and movie lovers in tier 2 and 3 cities.
This, in turn, will help the entertainment sector grow, and as these multiplex chains grow, it will create thousands of jobs and regional film industries. With OTT platforms changing the entertainment world, it represents the magic of watching a film on the silver screen in these theatres. With the best customer service, using the most modern technology with location-specific content ensures the magic of cinemas lives from generation to generation.
