PVR aims to become 1,000-screen film exhibitor by FY24

Multiplex operator PVR Cinemas aims to operate 1,000 screens by the end of FY24 by adding 100 more screens in the next 15 months, Joint Managing Director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said.

The company, which on Monday achieved the milestone of 900 screens, would invest around Rs 300 crore to add another 100 screens, Bijli said.

As part of the expansion, the company is entering into newer cities, especially in the south and east parts of the country, where it has a negligible presence. PVR is looking for smaller cities, which are unserved and have "high potential", said Bijli.

When asked about expansion, Bijli said, in the current quarter, PVR would add 30 screens. Moreover, some of the screens, which are currently under fit-outs, would also be ready for operation in the March quarter.

ALSO READ

Starting with one store, how PVR-backed 4700BC Popcorn expanded to nine countries

"We are now aiming to have 1,000 screens by FY24," said Bijli, adding, "the company would invest around Rs 300 crore to open 100 screens" in the next 15 months.

Besides India, PVR has a small presence in Sri Lanka, where it operates nine screens.

Bijli ruled out any further overseas expansion of PVR, saying, "we are not looking at any other markets" and would focus on domestic expansion, which has good opportunities.

About the business, Bijli said the current content pipeline (for films) is encouraging.

Last year on March 27, PVR and Inox Leisure announced their merger. This has been approved by their respective shareholders, creditors, as well as leading bourses NSE and BSE.

The company expects the remaining formalities to be over by the end of this fiscal.

"Post-merger, we would have 1,600 screens," Bijli added.

PVR on Monday opened three new multiplexes in Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Gurugram, adding 19 screens. With these latest additions, PVR has created a chain of 900 screens across 181 properties in 78 cities during its journey of 25 years.