Indian multiplex operator PVR INOX yesterday posted a first-quarter profit, helped by strong demand for films across languages, higher ticket prices and increased spending on food ‌and beverages.

According to a Reuters report yesterday, the company reported a consolidated net profit of 565 million rupees ($5.85 million) in the quarter ended June 30, compared with a net loss of 545 million rupees a year earlier.

Revenue from operations in the first quarter ⁠rose 11.9 percent year-on-year to 16.22 billion rupees.

Revenue growth was driven by a 15.9 percent year-on-year increase in ticket sales to 8.37 billion rupees and a 16.7 percent rise in food and beverage sales to 5.58 billion rupees.

Brokerages had expected a stronger quarter for multiplex operators, helped by a steady flow ‌of ⁠movie releases, higher ticket prices and increased spending on food and beverages despite the absence of a major blockbuster.

The company, according to the Reuters report, said India’s box office collections grew 20 percent during the quarter, driven by strong performances from ⁠Hindi, regional and Hollywood films across both metro and smaller cities.

“The industry delivered broad-based growth, our operating metrics improved across ⁠the board, and the company is now net cash positive,” company managing director Ajay Bijli said in a press release.