Whether it’s a small town or a metropolitan city, the trend and popularity of multiplexes charm every soul! Multiplexes usually refer to the theatre that displays multiple screens at the same time, which means multiple movies simultaneously.
The multiplexes and theatre companies in India have changed the preferences and viewpoints of the audience towards movies in today’s time. This enhancement begins in the mid-1990s with the first-ever multiplex of India, PVR Anupam. Today, the chain of multiplexes, along with theatre companies in India, has expanded on a broad scale.
This popularity of multiplexes was pretty tough on the single-screen theatre, and with such an increasing number of multiplexes today, merely a few years are left for the business of single-screen theatre to come to an end. And it’s totally true that multiplexes have made our movie time way more convenient and with multiple options. Now, that brings us to the main content of this article, which is, the top multiplexes in India. So, let’s get started!
| # | Company Name | Short Description | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PVR INOX | India’s largest multiplex chain with wide reach and luxury formats. | IMAX, 4DX, premium formats, national coverage |
| 2 | SRS Cinema | Once known for affordable viewing; now largely inactive. | Budget-friendly screens in North India |
| 3 | Big Cinemas | Formerly a major chain, merged with Carnival Cinemas in 2015. | Was part of Reliance ADA Group |
| 4 | Esquare Talkies | Pune-based multiplex chain known for local presence and comfort. | Popular in Maharashtra |
| 5 | Cinepolis | First international chain in India, offers IMAX & 4DX experiences. | Mexico-based, luxury & tech focus |
| 6 | Mukta A2 Cinemas | Focuses on affordable cinema experiences with good service. | Founded by film director Subhash Ghai |
| 7 | SPI Cinemas | Luxury-focused cinema chain, now part of PVR. | Known for Sathyam Cinemas in Chennai |
| 8 | MovieTime Cinemas | Offers both luxury and standard formats across India. | Wide reach with balanced pricing |
| 9 | Miraj Cinemas | Rapidly expanding chain focused on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. | Fast growth in small cities |
| 10 | Carnival Cinemas | Known for acquiring Big Cinemas; now facing operational challenges. | Mass-market approach, all-India presence |
| 11 | AMB Cinemas | Luxury cinema venture by actor Mahesh Babu in Hyderabad. | Celebrity-owned premium theater |
| 12 | Chhotu Maharaj Cinema | Affordable dome theaters for rural and small-town India. | Dome screens, education + entertainment |
| 13 | Wave Cinemas | North India-focused multiplex with premium service and seating. | Modern tech, family-friendly ambiance |
| 14 | Gold Cinemas | Affordable cinema brand targeting Tier 2 and 3 cities. | Low ticket prices, smaller towns focus |
PVR INOX
| Company Name | PVR INOX |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2023 (Merger) |
| Founders | Ajay Bijli and P K Jain |
| Total Screens | 1712 |
In 2022, two of India’s largest multiplex chains – PVR Cinemas and Inox Leisure merged to form PVR Inox Limited. This merger created the largest film exhibition company in India, operating over 1,712 screens across 360 properties in 113 cities. The combined entity has a significant presence across the country, with a strong foothold in major metropolitan areas as well as tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
The merger brought together the strengths of both companies, with PVR’s brand recognition and premium experience combined with Inox’s focus on providing an affordable luxury cinema experience, establishing itself as the best multiplex in India. The new entity aims to leverage synergies in areas such as programming, distribution, and marketing to enhance its market position and provide a diverse range of cinema experiences to moviegoers across India. It tops the list of top 10 multiplex theatres in India.
With over 1,712 screens under its umbrella, PVR Inox Limited has emerged as the biggest multiplex chain in India, a formidable player in the Indian entertainment industry. The company’s extensive reach and diverse offerings, including premium formats like IMAX, 4DX, and P[XL], position it as a leader in the multiplex segment, catering to the evolving preferences of Indian audiences seeking an immersive and premium movie-viewing experience.
Theatre Brands in India
SRS Cinema
| Company Name | SRS Cinema |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2004 |
| Founder | Anil Jindal |
| Total Screens | 57 |
SRS Cinemas, a part of SRS Ltd., is a well-known name in the Indian multiplex industry and ranks among the top cinema chains in India. With a presence in six cities, SRS Cinema has established itself as one of the most popular multiplex brands in the country and is one of the top 10 biggest theatres in India. Over the years, it has witnessed steady growth and is on the path to becoming one of the leading multiplexes in India. Its commitment to providing top-notch cinema experience to its audience has earned it a loyal customer base.
Harshit Verma
Big Cinemas
| Company Name | Big Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2001 |
| Founder | Anil Ambani |
| Total Screens | 515 |
Big Cinemas is one of the prominent multiplex chains in India that operates under the umbrella of Reliance MediaWorks Ltd and is a part of the Reliance ADA Group. With a widespread presence across India, the US, Netherlands, and Malaysia, Big Cinemas caters to over 40 million movie-goers. The multiplex chain was established in 2001 and has its headquarters in Mumbai, India. It boasts a massive chain of 515 screens, of which more than 260 are located in India alone making it one of the best multiplex in India. Big Cinemas is a go-to destination for movie buffs who seek a high-quality cinematic experience coupled with world-class amenities and services.
Esquare Talkies
| Company Name | Esquare Talkies |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2003 |
| Founder | Hemant Manmohan Panchamia (Managing Director) |
| Total Screens | 143 |
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to spend some quality time with your family while enjoying your favorite movies, Esquare Talkies in Pune could be just what you need! This amazing cinema exhibition was launched back in 2003 and has quickly become a household name for movie-goers in the area. What’s even more impressive is that Esquare Talkies managed to secure its position at the very top theatre company in India in a mere four years! Esquare Talkies is one of the top multiplex chains in India. In June 2018, Carnival Cinemas, led by Dr. Shrikant Bhasi, acquired 37 operational screens of the E-Square Cinema chain in Maharashtra.
Ria Puneyani
Cinepolis
| Company Name | Cinepolis |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 1971 |
| Founder | Enrique Ramírez Miguel |
| Total Screens | 6,699 |
Cinepolis, the top cinema company in India, has a massive presence in India’s multiplex industry with a multiplex chain of over 432 screens. It is the biggest multiplex chain in Mexico, boasting 6,699 screens across 92 cities. It is the fourth largest multiplex chain across the globe in the top 10 biggest theatre in India, with an impressive count of over 5,000 screens and 624 theatres. Cinepolis is the first international exhibitor in India and operates under the brand names of Cinepolis, Fun Cinemas, and Cinepolis VIP. The brand’s commitment to providing a superior movie-watching experience is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional customer service.
Nadeesh Kareemdathil
Mukta A2 Cinemas
| Company Name | Mukta A2 Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2011 |
| Founder | Subhash Ghai |
| Total Screens | 73 |
Mukta A2 Cinemas is a prominent multiplex chain that has been serving the Indian public since July 2011. The cinema chain has carved a niche for itself by providing movie tickets at highly affordable rates, to make movies accessible to everyone. With a total of 73 screens, Mukta A2 Cinemas is spread across 18 cities in India, catering to the entertainment needs of diverse audiences throughout the country. The chain is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, comfortable seating arrangements, and high-quality audio and visual technology, all of which ensure an immersive and enjoyable movie-going experience making it one of the top cinema hall in India.
SPI Cinemas
| Company Name | SPI Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 1974 |
| Founders | Kiran Reddy and Swaroop Reddy |
| Total Screens | 76 |
SPI Cinemas, also known as Sathyam Cinemas, is a renowned multiplex cinema in India that originated in Chennai. Over the years, it has expanded its network to several other states in India and has established itself as a prominent name in the Tamil Nadu movie market. In 2019, the popular cinema chain was acquired by PVR Cinemas, which further strengthened its position in the industry.
Ipsita Acharya
MovieTime Cinemas
| Company Name | MovieTime Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 1968 |
| Founder | O.P. Kapur |
| Total Screens | 65 |
MovieTime Cinemas is a highly renowned and widely acclaimed chain of multiplexes in India, operating multiple state-of-the-art cinema halls across some of the biggest cities in the country. With a strong focus on delivering an unparalleled movie experience, MovieTime Cinemas boasts advanced projectors and top-of-the-line amenities that cater to the diverse needs of the audience. Whether you’re a movie buff or just looking to unwind with your friends and family, MovieTime Cinemas is the perfect destination to catch the latest blockbusters and enjoy a memorable cinematic experience.
Miraj Cinemas
| Company Name | Miraj Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 1987 |
| Founder | Madan Paliwal |
| Total Screens | 172 |
Miraj Cinemas is a prominent player in India’s multiplex industry, having started its journey by launching four large multiplexes in Delhi NCR and Gujarat. Over time, it has grown into a vast network of multiplexes, with an impressive 172 screens spread across 57 locations in India and is one of the top multiplexes in India. This successful expansion is a testament to Miraj Cinemas’ commitment to providing top-quality entertainment experiences to moviegoers across the country, making it the best cinema hall in India.
Mahenoor Mansuri
Carnival Cinemas
| Company Name | Carnival Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2012 |
| Founder | Shrikant Bhasi |
| Total Screens | 430 |
Carnival Cinemas is a rapidly expanding chain of multiplexes in India that is dedicated to offering moviegoers an enjoyable and cost-effective cinematic experience. Their presence is felt in both urban and rural areas of the country, bringing the wonder of films to every nook and cranny of India. At Carnival Cinemas, they pride themselves on providing a magical movie experience to all their patrons, regardless of their location or background. In 2014, Carnival Cinemas acquired HDIL’s Broadway Cinema chain and Anil Ambani’s Big Cinemas, making it one of the top three cinema companies in India.
AMB Cinemas
| Company Name | AMB Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2016 |
| Founder | Mahesh Babu |
| Total Screens | 7 3-D screens |
Asian Cinemas, with superstar Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodkar, launched AMB Cinemas, a luxury movie experience. It combines hotel-like hospitality with advanced movie technology. AMB has seven 3D screens with DOLBY ATMOS sound and a 400-seat auditorium with the first laser projector in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Chhotu Maharaj Cinemas
| Company Name | Chhotu Maharaj Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | – |
| Founder | Nikita Rattanshi |
| Total Screens | 118 |
Chhotu Maharaj Cinema is a unique concept to bring affordable cinemas to small towns, districts, and villages. It offers a full movie experience with a good ambiance, tasty food, modern technology, and the latest movies at low prices. Designed as a dome for an immersive experience, it combines entertainment, technology, and education. It’s perfect for families who want to enjoy movies and events without spending too much, especially in Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, and rural areas.
Wave Cinemas
| Company Name | Wave Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 1999 |
| Founder | Late Gurdeep Singh Chadha (Ponty Chadha) |
| Total Screens | 100+ screens across multiple cities in North India |
Wave Cinemas is a premium multiplex chain known for offering a high-quality movie experience across major cities, especially in North India. With advanced projection systems, comfortable seating, and modern sound technology, it caters to both mainstream and regional audiences. The cinemas are often located in upscale malls and urban centers, making them a popular choice for families and moviegoers seeking comfort and convenience. Wave Cinemas also focuses on customer service and cleanliness, delivering a polished and enjoyable entertainment experience and considered as one of the best cinema brands in India.
Gold Cinemas
| Company Name | Gold Cinemas |
|---|---|
| Founded in | 2007 |
| Founder | Mr. Nitesh Sharma (MD, Gold Souk Group) |
| Total Screens | 30+ screens across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India |
Gold Cinemas is a movie theater chain in India that shows the latest films at affordable prices. It started in 2007 and is part of the Gold Souk Group. Gold Cinemas mainly operates in smaller cities and towns (Tier 2 and Tier 3), so people in those areas can enjoy good quality movie experiences. The cinemas have clean seats, nice sound and picture, and friendly service. Gold Cinemas is a good choice for families who want to watch movies without spending too much money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that the multiplex industry, along with various theatre brands, has grown at great speed and has made great advancements. Numerous companies are working to provide the finest movie experience to their audience.
Among these names, PVR Cinemas, INOX, and SRS Cinemas have established a huge presence in the theatre chains in the Indian market. These multiplexes have changed our movie experience and given us the luxury of choosing among multiple movie options. Stay tuned for more such content.
FAQs
Which is the biggest multiplex in India?
The largest multiplex in India is the 16-screen Mayajaal in Chennai.
Which city has the most theatres in India?
In India, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of theaters with a total of 6,877 throughout the country.
Which is the biggest movie theatre company?
AMC Global cinema is one of the biggest movie theatre companies and best cinema in India with approximately 11,000 screens.
What are the types of cinema halls in India?
In India, cinema halls include single-screen theatres and multiplexes. Single-screen theatres are traditional, while multiplexes offer multiple screens within a single complex.
Which are the prominent cinema chains in India?
Some prominent cinema chains in India include PVR Cinemas, INOX, and SRS Cinemas, offering a diverse range of movie options and luxurious experiences.
Which theatre is known as the best theatre in India?
PVR Cinemas is often regarded as one of the best theatre chains in India, and it is known for its modern facilities, comfortable seating, and wide movie selection.
What is multiplex theatre?
A multiplex theatre is a cinema complex with multiple screens, offering a variety of movie options simultaneously, enhancing the audience’s viewing choices and convenience.
What are the various types of Cinema halls in India?
There are several types of cinema halls in India, including multiplexes, IMAX theaters, and old-style cinemas.
Which is the biggest theatre in India?
Mayajaal Multiplex in Chennai is the biggest cinema hall in India, with 16 screens. It’s been a top cinema destination since it opened in 1997.
Which is the largest cinema chain in India?
The largest cinema theatre in India is PVR INOX Ltd.
Which is India’s biggest theatre?
The biggest theatre in India is Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur. Opened in 1976, it has around 1,200 seats and is known for its grand, palace-like design. It’s a single-screen theatre famous for its luxurious interiors and is considered an iconic landmark in Indian cinema.
