The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) yesterday announced that the Indian theatrical exhibition sector registered a robust performance in the first half of the year by registering a 21 percent increase in the domestic box office collections compared to last year.

According to MAI, films like ‘Border 2’, ‘Dhurandhar 2’, ‘Bhoot Bangla’, ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Cocktail 2’, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, Marathi-Hindi film ‘Raja Shivaji’, Tamil film ‘Karuppu’ and Hollywood titles ‘Project Hail Mary’, ‘Michael’, ‘Obsession’ and other such releases drew the audiences back to theatres across the country, a PTI report from Mumbai stated yesterday.

The encouraging growth reflects the continued strength of the theatrical experience and the sustained confidence of audiences in cinemas, driven by a diverse slate of compelling films across languages and genres, the association said in a release.

“The first half of 2026 has demonstrated the resilience and enduring appeal of the theatrical business. A healthy mix of blockbuster franchises, original stories, regional cinema, and international releases has resonated with audiences across India.

The 21 percent year-on-year growth is a strong indicator that consumers continue to value the immersive, communal experience that cinemas uniquely offer,” said MAI President Kamal Gianchandani.

The theatrical business received sustained footfalls across metropolitan centres as well as tier two and tier three markets and across languages and industries, including films from Hindi, Hollywood, Tamil and Telugu.

MAI is equally optimistic about the second half of 2026, with a strong line-up of highly anticipated releases like ‘Alpha’, ‘Ramayana’, ‘King’, ‘Batwara 1947’, ‘Haiwaan’, ‘Drishyam 3’ and ‘Toxic’ expected to further strengthen cinema admissions and box office collections.

Devang Sampat, Managing Director, Cinepolis India, said, “The industry’s performance reflects the collective efforts of producers, distributors, exhibitors, and filmmakers in delivering a sustained pipeline of quality cinema.

“As the release calendar continues to strengthen, we remain optimistic about maintaining this positive trajectory through the second half of the year. A healthy and predictable flow of theatrical releases remains the single most important driver of long-term industry growth.”

MAI represents more than 11 cinema chains, operating more than 550 multiplexes across the country, with around 3,000-plus screens.