Cinema chain PVR INOX has outlined an ambitious expansion plan with a target of adding around 200 new screens across the country over the next two years. The move will entail an investment of up to Rs.400 crore, said Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director of the company, in an interview on Wednesday.

According to a PTI report, the focus of the expansion will be on strengthening PVR INOX’s footprint in South India, while also tapping into smaller cities and emerging markets. “This financial year, 2025-26, we have about 100 screen openings planned, and out of which we have opened about 20 already in the first quarter, and we have another 82 to go. So, basically, we are on track to open about 100 screens this year,” Bijli said.

Of the 100 screens planned for the current year, 40 are in southern cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Hubli. The expansion also includes multiplexes in metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, and smaller towns like Siliguri, Jabalpur, Leh, and Gangtok. “It is a bit of a mixed bag, but 40 per cent of this (expansion) still remains in South India, and about 20 per cent in smaller towns,” Bijli added.

Looking ahead to FY 2026-27, Bijli said the company has visibility on at least 80 more screens, with potential to stretch the figure to 100. On the investment front, Bijli estimated that each screen costs around Rs.3.5 crore. “If we’re opening about 100 screens this year, that comes to about Rs.350 crore. If we assume that 50 per cent of that is coming from a combination of FOCO (franchise owned company operated) and asset-light models, then our contribution would be about Rs.175 to Rs.200 crore.” Over two years, the total investment will likely be in the range of ₹350 to ₹400 crore.

PVR INOX currently operates more than 1,800 screens. With the planned additions, the company is expected to cross the 2,000-screen mark nationwide. As part of its South India expansion, the company will be launching a four-screen property in Hyderabad later this week, taking its screen count in Telangana to 110. An additional 26 screens are planned for the state in FY26. Bijli underscored Telangana’s importance for the brand, citing the popularity of Telugu cinema and strong audience turnout. “There are still pockets in Hyderabad that do not have a good multiplex… we are excited about expanding into the city of Hyderabad, which is a growing city,” he said.