PVR INOX MD Ajay Bijli On Movie Business In India

In this Business Today podcast, Karishma Asoodani speaks with PVR INOX MD, Ajay Bijli on the current state of India’s movie business and its return to profitability. Bijli shares how the industry has moved past survival concerns of the post-COVID years, citing ₹450 crore in EBITDA in the first half, strong momentum in Q3, record-performing months like October and December, and nearly 8 million cinema footfalls. He explains how the PVR–INOX merger helped reduce debt, lower fixed and variable costs, and improve margins through scale and operational efficiencies. Bijli also addresses the OTT versus theatres debate, arguing that cinemas remain a core part of India’s out-of-home entertainment ecosystem driven by experience and escapism.