Hyderabad is experiencing a rapid growth in multiplex theaters, marking a significant development in the city’s cinematic landscape. The launch of Allu Cinemas in Kokapet has introduced Hyderabad to its first Dolby cinema experience, setting a new standard for moviegoers. This expansion reflects the increasing number of multiplexes in the city, further enhancing the entertainment options available to residents and visitors alike.
In a strategic move, Asian Cinemas has partnered with actor Ravi Teja to launch ART Cinemas in Vanasthalipuram by 2025, adding to its portfolio. Prior to this, the company established ventures with actors Mahesh Babu and Allu Arjun, introducing AMB Cinemas at Sharath City Mall and AAA Cinemas in Ameerpet, respectively. The PVR Inox Group has also made significant strides by transforming their six-screen multiplex at Inorbit Mall into an eleven-screen superplex, marking its first such venture in Telangana. This new facility will feature three luxurious screens equipped with recliners and a menu curated by an in-house chef, alongside the city’s third 4DX screen, which offers an immersive viewing experience with motion seats and sensory effects like wind, smoke, aroma, and water snow.
As part of its expansion plans, a new multiplex named AMB Classic is set to open on RTC X Roads by mid-2026, featuring a premium extra-large format screen measuring 55 feet in width. Promod Arora, CEO of PVR Inox Limited, confirmed that their expansion is still in progress, with many new properties in development. Locations such as HSR Arc, the upcoming Odiyan Mall on RTC X Roads, and new projects in Kukatpally are being explored to enhance multiplex services in underrepresented areas of the city.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has expanded to cover 2,053 square kilometers and is home to over 13 million residents. This growth has been fueled by a surge in housing projects, particularly in the western zone of the city, as multinational IT companies continue to invest in the area. Sunil Narang from Asian Cinemas notes the increasing potential for new multiplexes in regions like Gachibowli and Kokapet, where a significant population is settling due to new residential projects.
Asian Cinemas is also making strides in other areas of the city, currently operating 54 screens within the GHMC limits, with 40 of those located in multiplexes across eight properties. Narang emphasizes the importance of continually upgrading technology to provide the best audio-visual quality and highlights that their food offerings are crafted on-site by chefs, ensuring freshness with items like sandwiches, burgers, and pizza bases.
As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences, Narang acknowledged the shift from traditional single screens to multiplexes, indicating a growing demand for diverse viewing options. He stated, “While watching movies at home may be convenient, it cannot replace the joy of communal viewing in theaters.” Despite concerns over digital platforms and short-form content potentially distracting audiences, the resilience of theaters remains strong, as they continue to provide quality films and a comfortable viewing experience for patrons.
